Saturday, 5 August was the 148th anniversary of the laying of the School's Foundation Stone. We celebrated the School’s birthday on Thursday, 3 August with a full school assembly in the Glen McCracken Sports Centre. During the assembly we enjoyed the story of the School’s history from the perspective of Junior School students. We acknowledged 16 current Year 12 boys who commenced their schooling journey in the Prep class at Toowoomba Grammar School, soon to be graduating after 13 years in our community. It was wonderful to see the whole school come together and celebrate the efforts and achievements of our boys.

Year 12 Mock Examinations

The majority of Year 12 students have now completed their final internal assessment (IA3) prior to the external examinations being held in Term 4. Year 12 teachers and boys are now concluding Unit 4 work and commencing preparations for their mock examinations being held in the final two weeks of this term and ultimately the external examinations commencing in Week 4, Term 4. We are very pleased with the academic progress of our Year 12 boys and wish them well for their preparations. I do ask that Year 12 parents help us to emphasise to the boys the importance of attending every lesson between now and their final examinations.

Old Boys’ Reunion Weekend and Grammar Downlands Rugby

Saturday, 19 August presents the great opportunity for our community to gather for the Old Boys’ Reunion weekend and rugby fixtures against Downlands hosted at Toowoomba Grammar School. This is always a much-enjoyed weekend for current students and Old Boys, parents, staff and visitors. We welcome all Old Boys back to their school and hope the weekend is filled with great memories and camaraderie.

For our boys, their positive conduct as rugby players, spectators and hosts for the weekend is paramount. Where social opportunities present for boys, we insist on their extended representation of the School and their sensible decision making and safe choices.

Guest Presenters at TGS

Fireside Chat: Professor Brad Carter - Astrophysics

The Toowoomba Grammar School community was pleased to welcome world renowned astrophysicist, Professor Brad Carter from UniSQ to enlighten us about the awe-inspiring world of astrophysics. The audience, which included students, parents, staff and members of the community, were captivated by Professor Carter’s explanations to some of the grand questions of astrophysics, including “how did we get here?” and “what may be out there?”.

It was also fascinating to learn from Professor Carter about the Toowoomba region’s ongoing contribution to the world of astrophysics. We learnt a NASA relay station at Cooby Dam played a crucial role in communications for the Apollo missions, including the 1969 moon landing. In addition, Professor Carter also outlined in detail the important work being done at the Mt Kent Observatory at Greenmount, and his own research focus in the shared evolution of stars and their planetary systems.

We thank Professor Carter for his time and generosity, which no doubt inspired some of our students to continue pursuing their own passion in this field.

Raising Good Men: Dr. Kaylene Henderson – Anxiety and Resilience

The latest instalment of our Raising Good Men series welcomed highly regarded child and adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson to present on the important topic of tackling anxiety and building resilience. An eager audience learnt that anxiety is the human body’s natural response to stress and danger. To help our boys deal with anxiety, Dr Henderson stressed the importance of normalising conversations about the topic and suggested modelling this to our children. Moreover, whilst it is important to help support and watch over our children, a critical component in enabling them to grow emotionally and build resilience is to “help them just enough.”

We thank Dr Henderson for making the trip to Toowoomba and her profound insights.

Junior School / Aquatic Car Park Loop Traffic

Traffic during school pick-up times can be slow in this area. Senior School parents are encouraged to use the other pick up / drop off areas available across the School where possible, for example Herries St and Margaret St Loop areas.

For parents using the Aquatic Centre area for collection, please do not queue as that blocks the right lane for through traffic near the Sports Centres. This creates a bottle neck or even stopping all traffic movement because all vehicles using this entrance must move through this area to exit.

The School is considering future works in this area to improve traffic flow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

John Anderson
Deputy Headmaster

Grammar Downlands Day is one of the biggest events on the Toowoomba social calendar, behind only the Carnival of Flowers. The event dates back to 1931, with the introduction of the 1st XV match, the highly sought after O'Callaghan Cup in 1950.

Hundreds of Old Boys from both schools return to cheer on their respective teams. There's history, tradition and friendly rivalry unlike any other occasion in Toowoomba, with over 6,000 people usually attending the feature game - the O'Callaghan Cup.

This year, Grammar Downlands day will be held at TGS on Saturday, 19 August and we are excited to launch a new webpage to assist families and visitors with information.

You can find relevant information about the day as it's released, along with the history and statistics of this popular event here https://bit.ly/3OD9WxZ

We look forward to sharing this exciting day with our TGS community. Go the Blue and Gold!

Please see below the latest legislation regarding protection from second-hand smoke (cigarettes and vaping)

source: Ideagen

Toowoomba Regional Council would like to advise that works will commence on the Margaret and Mackenzie Streets intersection upgrade in mid-to-late September 2023 and is expected to take 3 months to complete (weather permitting).

The project, which is funded under the Australian Government's Black Spot Program, has been designed to deliver safety improvements to the intersection.

Following consultation with nearby residents and interest groups in November 2022, the finalised design includes the installation of traffic signals, kerb and channel works and bicycle awareness zones.

Concrete islands will be installed on Margaret Street to allow for traffic signals to be positioned in a more visible location.

For more information about the upgrade, please visit https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/margaret-mackenzie.

Works Staging

Council will undertake water main works in the northern and southern legs of Mackenzie Street from mid­ August ahead of intersection upgrade works commencing in September.

Road closures

To allow for safe construction, partial and full road closures will be required. Electronic billboards will be used to notify road users of closures. Detour signage will be in place.

Pedestrian access will be maintained where possible. Council asks that pedestrians and on-path cyclists adhere to pedestrian signage and follow the directions of Council staff and Traffic Controllers.

The following road closures are required to safely carry out the water main works:

Thursday, August 10

Mackenzie Street North Southbound lane closed - 9am-3pm

Friday, August 18

Mackenzie Street North Southbound lane closed - 9am-3pm

Saturday, August 19 & Sunday August 20

Mackenzie Street North

Both lanes closed - from 06:30am Saturday morning

Saturday, August 26

Margaret Street

Closed between Mackenzie Street South and Connell Street - from 06:30am Mackenzie Street South

Southbound lane closed between Margaret and Scott Streets - from 06:30am

Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29

Mackenzie Street South

Southbound lane closed between Margaret and Scott Streets - from 06:30am

Local access will be maintained during these preliminary works and the intersection upgrade works.

Several road closures will be required to complete the intersection upgrade works. Construction will be staged so as to minimise closure changes and project duration. These road closures will be communicated using electronic billboards near the construction zone.

To stay up to date with road closures during construction, please visit https://www.tr.qld.qov.au/marqaret­ mackenzie.

Construction work

All reasonable measures will be taken to minimise noise from construction activities.

Disruptions to water supply will be required to complete these works. Council will notify affected properties a minimum of 48 hours before any planned works.

Normal working hours will be anytime between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend works will be required.

Night works will occur towards the end of the project to complete asphalt overlays and line marking.

Council looks forward to delivering these important safety upgrades and thanks you for your patience and cooperation while the works are carried out.

Should you have any enquiries throughout the project, please contact Rebecca Rose from Council's Stakeholder Engagement Team on 131 872 or email yoursay@tr.qld.gov.au.

As we cross over the midway mark of Term 3 and the season begins to shift towards spring, we enter a phase of the year where typically more community events are held. These are wonderful opportunities for families to connect with each other and share an occasion together with your sons.

Building a sense of belonging is incredibly valuable for all members of the community. For our boys, it strengthens their connection between home and School which supports their social and academic development. For parents and extended family, these connection points increase our shared understanding for how to best support our boys and each other. I have often heard from families that the Junior School phase of schooling is one that families feel most closely connected to because they are supporting their children and communicating with teachers on a daily basis, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ as the old adage says is particularly apt.

‘Engaging and working with the community’ is one of the five professional practices as defined by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for Principals and leaders. This again speaks to the value of community events and occasions to foster connection between home, school and the broader community.

For me, there are many different layers of community engagement. This is wonderful because it allows people to connect at a level they are comfortable with and feel a sense of purpose and belonging. At its core, the engagement point between your son and the class teacher is fundamental for both their personal and academic development. Beyond that, the following connection points are not an exhaustive list but a good guide to how families are able to engage with the School, and how we as a school engage with the broader community.

• Class and cohort groups
• House groups
• Junior School events and occasions
• Sporting, music or broader co-curricular groups and functions
• Boarding community groups
• P&F and Supporter groups
• Charity group associations
• School networks, GPS and local connections with The Glennie School and Fairholme College

Schools offer a lattice work of connection points – horizonal by class and cohort, vertical via House or sub-school, and cluster points via music or sport for example. I would wholeheartedly encourage families to access those connection points that most closely resonate with you, they all have their value which is to support each other and provide a sense of belonging that builds strong communities.

I have outlined some upcoming events for you to have awareness around in the coming five weeks. We look forward to sharing these with you in the weeks to come.

Event and occasion summary over the next five weeks

• Children’s Book Week
• Staff vs Year 6 Soccer match
• Musicians Concert
• Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast
• Year 6 Fair
• Prep to Year 3 Swimming Carnival
• Parent / Teacher meetings for Term 3
• House Activities and Colour Run afternoon

Monday, 21 to Friday, 25 August – Children’s Book Week

A much-loved event on every school's calendar, Children’s Book Week celebrates all the joy that reading offers us. This year's theme is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. Throughout the week, authors will be holding sessions with cohorts, providing an insight into the world of authors - Yvonne Mes will be working with Years 4 to 6, and Lucia Masciullo will be working with Years Prep to 3. Yvonne Mes is an author and illustrator who writes stories for children with curious minds. Lucia is an award-winning illustrator specialising in children’s books.

Each day during DEAR, boys will test their reading knowledge with quizzes based on books and what is happening in the book world over the last twelve months.

The Book Week Parade and picnic will be the culminating events to celebrate the week.

Thursday, 24 August

• 8:30am Parade, each class will show off their costumes as they walk around the synthetic turf playground. Parents are welcome to view the parade from the top verandas for the best view. Once the parade has concluded please feel free to take a walk to view each classrooms front door, decorated in a book theme.
• 12:45pm Picnic, boys will share a picnic lunch with their friends. The boys are encouraged to bring their favourite 'picnic food', blankets, pillows and anything else for them to enjoy their picnic.
• 2:30pm MATES, our fortnightly House Mates session this week will have a reading activity focus as they enjoy spending time with their House peers and teachers.

Children’s book week is a wonderful event to share and celebrate a love of reading. I extend my sincere thanks to all families for supporting this occasion, getting in the spirit of organising costumes of your son’s favourite books and stories. These are memories for a lifetime, I assure you. Thank you also to all staff for your efforts in preparing for Book Week and to our Junior School Librarian, Mrs Worthington for your coordination and inspiration to connect with a good book!

Friday, 25 August – Staff vs Year 6 Soccer match

A traditional event on our calendar that the Year 6 boys look forward to each year, an opportunity to try and defeat their teachers on the soccer field. Held during afternoon sport time, boys begin with their regular sport activity then come together for the last 30 minutes to spectate the Staff vs Year 6 game.

Wednesday, 30 August – Father’s Day Stall

The Junior School Supporters Group will be operating a Father’s Day stall for boys to find something ‘special’ for Dad or their father figure in the family. Each class will be scheduled to visit the Junior School Hall throughout the morning, with a range of gifts on offer from $5 to $15. A good guideline for boys is to bring $20 or less. If any parents would like to assist with the set-up or sales, please contact Ms Tessa Chamberlain – Junior School Supports Group President on 0458 972 876, or e-mail on T.Chamberlain@twgs.qld.edu.au

Thursday, 31 August - Musicians’ Concert

A wonderful opportunity for boys to perform in front of our Junior School community at an assembly commencing at 2:10pm in the Junior School Hall. Nominations close on Thursday, 24 August. Please refer to correspondence emailed by Mrs Dixon earlier this term, or contact Mrs Dixon for further information on k.dixon@twgs.qld.edu.au

Friday, 1 September – Father’s Day Breakfast

A warm welcome is extended to all Junior School fathers and father figures, with your children both sons and daughters. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a breakfast together, recognise and celebrate the influence of fathers and father figures in our lives.

• 7:30am – 8:30am in the Junior School Hall

Friday, 1 September – Year 6 Fair

The Year 6 Fair returns in 2023 – with an exciting new focus.

• 11:45pm – 12:45pm Years 4 to 6
• 12:45pm – 1:45pm Prep to Year 3

Year 6 boys this year have connected their Humanities unit on economics, market forces, supply and demand and applied this to their design of a Fair for all boys in the Junior School to enjoy. Activities have been designed to appeal to different age groups and interests, budgets and targets set for fundraising goals as a collective Year 6. More information will be provided to families closer to the event, but it is sure to be a fun filled occasion for all year levels.

Friday, 8 September, Prep to Year 3 Swimming Carnival

• P. B. Hauser Aquatic Centre, 11:15am – 2:30pm

This event will be a wonderful opportunity for our Preps to Year 3s to showcase their swimming progress with fun races and activities. Our Sports Department will provide further details closer to the event.

Monday, 4 to Thursday, 14 September – Parent / Teacher Meetings

An invitation is extended for families to book an appointment to meet with your son’s class teacher in the final two weeks of Term 3. Mrs Karen Miller will provide booking time slots for parents to access and log a time. Time slots will vary slightly depending on the teacher and their availability but typically some before and after school slots are available throughout the two-week period. This is a wonderful opportunity to check-in on your son’s learning progress and ask any questions that will help support him for the term ahead.

Thursday, 14 September, House Activities and Colour Run

As a finale to Term 3, Year 6 House Captains will lead a House Activities session mid-morning for all year levels to enjoy, followed by a Meal Deal for lunch organised by our Junior School Supporters' Group. After lunch the Year 6 Charity Monitors have organised an afternoon of excitement to finish the day with a Colour Run for all age groups, sponsored by the Junior School Supporters Group. More details of the day will be provided close to the day with uniform and clothing requirements.

We are looking forward to an action packed back-half of Term 3. If you have any specific questions please feel comfortable making contact with your son’s classroom teacher, Mrs Chantelle Bauer or me. Just a reminder, Mr Mike Sharpe is on long-service-leave for Semester 2, but he may consider a cameo appearance at one or more of these occasions.

With warm regards and appreciation,

Ken

Head of Junior School

Fostering Excellence Through a Knowledge-Rich Curriculum and the Science of Learning

A knowledge-rich curriculum stands as a pillar of our educational approach for several reasons. In a rapidly changing world, possessing a foundation of essential knowledge equips students to engage thoughtfully with a broad array of subjects. Such a curriculum enables students to make connections between seemingly disparate concepts, fostering a holistic understanding of the world around them. By immersing our students in a diverse range of topics, we empower them to explore their passions, pursue academic excellence, and develop the cognitive tools necessary for success in an ever-evolving job market.

Furthermore, we recognise the profound impact that the Science of Learning has on shaping effective teaching practices. Incorporating insights from this field into our classrooms enhances the learning experience for each student. By understanding cognitive processes, memory retention, and metacognition, our educators can tailor their teaching methods to optimise knowledge absorption and retention. Techniques such as spaced repetition, interleaved practice, and retrieval practice not only deepen understanding but also foster the development of robust study habits that will serve our boys well beyond their time at Toowoomba Grammar School.

In line with these principles, our dedicated teaching staff will continue to undergo training to ensure the seamless integration of these evidence-based strategies into their pedagogical approach. As Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning, I am committed to fostering an environment where curiosity is nurtured, and academic growth is both inspiring and enduring.

Warm regards,

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning)

Congratulations to all boys who were involved in the recent instrumental Eisteddfod. Please find the Junior School ensemble results below:

2023 Junior School Eisteddfod results

Clive Berghofer Primary Schools Aggregate Trophy

1^st – Jazz Band (Primary School Jazz Band)

1^st – Percussion Ensemble (Primary School Orff or Recorder Ensemble)

1^st – Chamber Winds (Primary School Woodwind Ensemble)

2^nd – Orchestra (Primary School Orchestra)

2^nd – String Ensemble (Primary School String Ensemble)

2^nd – String Quartet (Primary School String Quartet)

3^rd – Chamber Strings (Primary School Small String Ensemble)

3^rd – Percussion Ensemble (Primary School Percussion Ensemble)

HC – Year 2 String Ensemble (Primary School Strings Beginner Ensemble)

Please find individual and duet results below:

1^st – James Andersen (Year 5 and under Popular / Movie /Jazz Woodwind Solo)

1^st – James Andersen (Year 5 and under Saxophone Solo)

1^st – James Andersen and Suhaan Chowdhury (Primary Saxophone Duet)

1^st – Edward Boland and Elijah Coutts (Primary Any Other Woodwind Duet)

1^st – William Brown (Year 5 and under Popular / Jazz / Movie Other Brass Solo)

2^nd – Edward Boland (Year 6 Flute Solo)

2^nd – Ruhan Bulchandani (Year 6 Popular / Movie / Jazz Trumpet Solo)

2^nd – Ruhan Bulchandani (Year 6 Trumpet Solo)

2^nd – Aarav Kansagara (Year 5 and under Flute Solo)

2^nd – Charlie Lunn and Edward Boland (Primary Flute Duet)

2^nd – Smith Waring (Year 6 Other Brass Solo)

3^rd – William Brown (Year 5 and under Other Brass Solo)

3^rd – Harry Constable (Year 6 Flute Solo)

3^rd - Fletcher Keating (Year 5 and under Popular / Jazz / Movie Other Brass Solo)

3^rd – Aarav Kansagara and Harry Constable (Primary Flute Duet)

3^rd – Smith Waring (Year 6 Popular / Jazz / Movie Other Brass Solo)

3^rd – Tom Williamson (Year 6 Popular / Movie / Jazz Trumpet Solo)

3^rd – Tom Williamson (Year 6 Trumpet Solo)

HC – Ruhan Bulchandani (All-age Grade String solo Grade 1 or 2 level)

HC – Liam Galappaththi (Year 6 Popular / Jazz / Movie Woodwind Solo)

HC – Liam Galappaththi (Year 6 Saxophone Solo)

HC – Tom Oliphant (Year 6 Other Brass Solo)

HC – Tom Oliphant (Year 6 Popular / Jazz / Movie Other Brass Solo)

Musicians’ Concert
The Term 3 Musicians’ Concert will be held on Thursday, 30 August, commencing at 2:10pm in the Junior School Assembly Hall. A letter and nomination form has been emailed to all parents. Nominations are due by Thursday, 24 August.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Athletics
Congratulations to all boys who competed at the Range Zone carnival recently. TGS took 29 boys to compete at this carnival with 11 boys successful in being selected in the Range Zone team to compete at the Darling Downs Regional carnival. We wish all boys the best of luck in their athletic pursuits as the competition becomes stiffer with each subsequent event.

Mini Meets
The boys enjoyed their athletic interactions with the girls from Glennie. Thanks to all staff involved, particularly Mrs Pratt, Mr Zupp and Mrs O’Connell.

Orienteering
Congratulations to Hamish and Charlie Lunn who recently competed at the State Orienteering titles in Miles. Hamish managed to finish 4th in this competition which is an outstanding performance.

SEQ Football
A Year 5 and a Year 6 team represented TGS on August 10 in the SEQ Football championships. They played school teams from around the Darling Downs, with the TGS Year 6 team now progressing to the next round in Brisbane. We wish our boys all the best for this great opportunity. Thank you to Mrs Pratt, Mr Mulvey, Mr Bain and Mr Croaciti for their efforts in ensuring this event was a success.

PE Homework
Being able to throw overarm is a key skill that transfers to many sports. Please spend some time in the next few weeks throwing a tennis ball, baseball, vortex (or any type of ball) with your son. The more you do, the better he will become, and it is great chance to have a chat at the same time!

Wishing everyone a great Term 3.

Brendan Doherty
Sportsmaster

On Wednesday, 9 August, Year 6 had three teams represent the School for the IPSHA debating contest. These teams faced the girls' teams from Fairholme College. It was a great experience for the boys, most of whom were debating for the first time.

The boys had to learn the protocols of debating and learn how to do some rebuttal on the run. Plenty of nerves and rushed palm cards but the boys enjoyed the opportunity. This was just a one-off event, but we hope to do some more in class debating, as the boys really enjoyed it.

Alastair Bain
Year 6 Class Teacher

Congratulations to Alex Reddacliff (Year 11), Lachan Parker (withdrawn due to injury, Year 9), Bryce Krause (Year 7) and Eddy Beverland (Year 7) on their selection in the Queensland Schools Swim Team.

Alex, Bryce and Eddie head off to Sydney Olympic Park next week for the School Sport Australia Championships.

Good luck to all boys for their events over the competition. Swim Fast and have fun!

The Toowoomba Eisteddfod is done for another year with Part 2 wrapping up last week. Toowoomba Grammar School had around 150 students who competed during the week across both instrumental music and verse speaking categories. There were some absolutely brilliant results across the entire School and our boys are to be commended, not only for their efforts and high level of performance, but also for their behaviour and sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the competition.

ENSEMBLES

Our School ensembles completed a very successful run of performances. Most ensembles placed or received a highly commended award in each section that they competed in.

Champion Ensembles

Junior Jazz Band - Primary School Stage Band
Junior Percussion Ensemble - Primary School Recorded or ORFF Ensemble
Junior Chamber Winds - Primary School Woodwind Ensemble

Runners Up Ensembles

RnB Band - Secondary School Woodwind/Brass/Rhythm Ensemble
Junior Orchestra - Primary School Orchestra
Junior String Ensemble - Primary School String Ensemble
Chamber Strings - Secondary School Small String A Grade Ensemble
Junior String Quartet - Primary String Trio/Quartet
Guitar Ensemble - Year 12 and under Chamber Music Ensemble
Big Band - Open Stage Band

3rd Place Ensembles

Junior Chamber Strings - Primary School Small String Ensemble
Junior Percussion Ensemble - Primary School Percussion Ensemble
RnB Too - Secondary School Woodwind/Brass/Rhythm Ensemble

Highly Commended Ensembles

Year 2 String Ensemble - Primary School String Beginner Ensemble
Violin Quartet - Secondary String B Grade (Level 2 & Under) Trio/Quartet
String Quartet - Secondary String (unaccompanied) A Grade Trio/Quartet
Show Band - Open Instrumental Ensemble
TGS/Glennie School Wind Ensemble - Open Instrumental Ensemble
Big Band - Secondary School A Grade Stage Band
Junior Concert Band - Primary School Concert Band
Wind Orchestra - Secondary School A Grade Concert Band

SOLOS

Our soloists performed magnificently throughout the program and as such we have quite a long list of solo achievements.

1st William Brown - Year 5 and under Popular/Jazz/Movie Other Brass Solo
1st Bertie Mansfield - Year 11 and 12 Trumpet or Cornet Solo
1st Artharsh Gajaharan - Year 9 Verse Speaking Solo
1st Artharsh Gajaharan - Year 9 Monologue Solo
1st Mitchell Wilkes - Year 9 and 10 Saxophone Solo
1st Finlay Waring - Year 9 and 10 Clarinet Solo
1st James Andersen - Year 5 and under Popular/Jazz/Movie Woodwind Solo
1st James Andersen - Year 5 and under Saxophone Solo
1st Lucas Wen - Year 7 and 8 Clarinet Solo
1st Luke Beddoes - Year 7 and 8 Any Other Woodwind Solo
1st Tom Jaquet - Year 9 and 10 Other Brass Solo
1st James Dixon - Year 7 and 8 Other Brass Solo

2nd Will Perry - All-Age Graded String Solo - Grades 5 or 6 level
2nd Artharsh Gajaharan - Year 9 Humorous Solo
2nd Isaac Whitcombe - Year 9 and 10 Clarinet Solo
2nd Aarav Kansagara - Year 5 and under Flute Solo
2nd Edward Boland - Year 6 Flute Solo
2nd Lucas Wen - Year 7 and 8 Popular/Jazz/Movie Woodwind Solo
2nd Tom Morgenstern - Year 7 and 8 Saxophone Solo
2nd Smith Waring - Year 6 Other Brass Solo
2nd Ruhan Bulchandani - Year 6 Popular/Jazz/Movie Trumpet or Cornet Solo
2nd Ruhan Bulchandani - Year 6 Trumpet or Cornet Solo
2nd Connor Brownlie - Year 7 and 8 Other Brass Solo

3rd William Brown - Year 5 and under Other Brass Solo
3rd Fletcher Keating - Year 5 and under Popular/Jazz/Movie Other Brass Solo
3rd Harry Constable - Year 6 Flute Solo
3rd Smith Waring - Year 6 Popular/Jazz/Movie Other Brass Solo
3rd Tom Williamson - Year 6 Popular/Jazz/Movie Trumpet or Cornet Solo
3rd Tom Williamson - Year 6 Trumpet or Cornet Solo
3rd Darcy Keating - Year 7 and 8 Other Brass Solo

HC Ruhan Bulchandani - All-Age Graded String Solo - Grades 1 or 2 level
HC Artharsh Gajaharan - All-Age Graded String Solo - Grades 1 or 2 level
HC Finlay Waring - Year 9 and 10 Popular/Jazz/Movie Woodwind Solo
HC Liam Galappaththi - Year 6 Popular/Jazz/Movie Woodwind Solo
HC Liam Galappaththi - Year 6 Saxophone Solo
HC Tom Oliphant - Year 6 Other Brass Solo
HC Tom Oliphant - Year 6 Popular/Jazz/Movie Other Brass Solo
HC Tom Jaquet - Year 9 and 10 Popular/Jazz/Movie Brass Solo

DUETS

Many of our boys teamed up either with a fellow TGS musician or musician from another school. It's fantastic to see our students making music with others:

1st Nicholas Clulow & Oliver Murphy - Open Instrumental Duet
1st Finlay Waring & Nicholas Apalais - Secondary Clarinet Duet
1st James Anderson & Suhaan Chowdury - Primary Saxophone Duet
1st Edward Boland & Elijah Coutts - Primary Any Other Woodwind Duet
2nd Charlie Lunn & Edward Boland - Primary Flute Duet
3rd Arrav Kansagara & Harry Constable - Primary Flute Duet

I would like to pass on a huge congratulations for all the boys who took part in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod throughout the year. We are exceptionally proud of their efforts. Thank you and well done!

Mark Chalmers
Director of Performing Arts

On the weekend of 22-23 July Charlie Lunn, Hamish Lunn, Alex Vanzella and Will Barnes participated in the Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships.

Over 100 students from all around Queensland took part in three events: a Sprint Distance event at Miles SHS, and two bush events at Gurulmundi State Forest.

• Hamish finished 4^th in the Sprint event in his respective age class.
• Alex finished 1^st in the Sprint event and 3^rd in both the Long-distance and Hagaby events in his respective age class.
• Will finished 1^st in the Sprint event in his respective age class.

Results from these events were used to select a team of 20 students to represent Queensland at the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships in Western Australia.

Will Barnes and Alex Vanzella have been named in the Queensland Schools Orienteering team.

Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Participants use very detailed maps to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain in the fastest time.

Besides needing excellent map reading skills, an orienteer needs great concentration and the ability to make quick decisions about the best route under pressure while running at high speed.

Further information about orienteering is available from www.oq.asn.au or Orienteering Queensland on Facebook.

On Saturday, 12 August 2023 over 150 Darling Downs Defence Force Cadets were given dedicated access to the Army Aviation Training Centre, Swartz Barracks Open Day. Swartz Barracks and the units stationed within its gates provided the cadets with valuable knowledge about options that are available to them if they pursue a career with the Defence Force, including ARH-Tiger Helicopter Pilot, Blackhawk Loadmaster, Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Military Police, and Signals and Communications.

Due to the recent tragedy involving the Army’s MRH-90 Helicopter, it was not possible for the cadets to fly; however, helicopter simulators were brought in for the cadets to try their hands at flying. I would imagine a whole new level of respect for what those pilots can do was achieved. If simulators were not their thing, then exploring the cargo hold of a CH-47 Chinook or getting up close and personal with the ARH-Tiger were other opportunities provided for the cadets.

The highlight of the day was watching the Military Police Dog demonstration. These specially bred dogs are trained to detect, apprehend, and detain and can unload with a muzzle punch at an incredible 450 pounds of force, easily knocking a grown man off his feet.

It is such an honour to be allowed to see behind the wire and explore the multitude of opportunities that a career in the Australian Defence Force can facilitate. Thank you, Swartz Barracks, for another fantastic Open Day.

Following on from the amazing Aviation Open Day, on Sunday, a team of nine TGS Army Cadets signed up for the Annual Darling Downs Tri-Service competition. The competition is now in its tenth year and with TGS holding the overall trophy for the last seven years the pressure was on to continue our legacy.

TGS ACU joined with Darling Downs Cadets from 13 Army Cadet Units, 205/209 Squadron Airforce Cadets, 210 Squadron Airforce Cadets, TS Toowoomba Navy Cadets and TS Kookaburra Navy Cadets for an action-packed day of mental and physical challenges. The Tri-Service competition brings together the best of the best for an array of exciting challenges, including glider throw, heaving line, observation lane, 11x11 construction, drill competition, and team building activities. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow cadets from different units and forces and bond over some friendly rivalry. A huge congratulations to all those cadets and staff who were involved in making the day happen.

We are thrilled to announce that the overall Brymaroo Challenge Trophy once again came home with the TGS Army Cadet Unit whose consistency of coming within the top three units on every activity secured them the overall Tri-Service champions for the eighth consecutive year. Well done TGS Cadets!

On Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 August, Toowoomba Grammar hosted the Sporting Shooters 2023 Live Shooting Competition. This competition provides the opportunity for selected students from TGS and Fairholme College to compete safely in a supervised range live shoot with a variety of different firearms.

The aim of the competition is to demonstrate the safe and inclusive nature of weapons handling and shooting. In conjunction with the SSAA Safe Weapons Handling Course, which was held on the Saturday, the students are given the opportunity to earn a Junior Weapons Handling Licence through the Queensland Government.

With eight eager students sitting anxiously in their seats during Saturday's Safety Course, the very talented instructor ran through everything from components of firearms to weapons handling and storage legislation, all very important aspects of responsible weapons ownership. Once all the theory was complete, the students got hands-on with the unloaded weapons to demonstrate their learning through practical skills tests. Great to say all were successful and ready to get out on the range.

Sunday arrived with a beautiful sunny morning and a quick bus trip to Millmerran SSAA Range. Parents were invited to compete against their children. A total of 16 students, three parents, and five staff participated. The competition is broken into three scoring categories with 20 shots in each but only the last ten shots scored. Categories include a clay pigeon shotgun shoot, 50m .22 calibre rifle shoot, and a 10m .22 calibre pistol shoot.

Congratulations to the winners:

Shotgun – Mrs. Lauren Trevisani

Rifle – Heather McKenzie

Pistol – Tom Knudsen

Overall champion was Tom Knudsen.

Thank you to all staff involved, the SSAA instructor and Range staff for continuing to offer this unique opportunity to the students. It is always a fabulous day, and we look forward to taking more parents and students in 2024.

All TGS families are invited to participate in this great event. Have fun with the family while raising money for a great cause.

We are excited to be part of AgQuip at Gunnedah from Tuesday, 22 to Thursday, 24 August.

Come and meet some of our staff and learn about the opportunities Toowoomba Grammar School can offer your son as we help him develop into a man of good character.

Join us at the Pig and Tinderbox, Tamworth from 4pm to 6pm for refreshments and a chat.

Please register your interest for this event here to assist with catering https://bit.ly/3KWDFkU

We look forward to catching up with current, past and prospective families and TGS Old Boys.

TGS on Tour continues in Term 3 and we are excited to be coming to a town near you.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy refreshment and an informal chat with current, past and prospective families and Old Boys.

If you know someone who is considering boarding for their son, please invite them along to meet our key staff and learn more about TGS.

Please see dates below. Register your attendance here https://bit.ly/442ersn. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to all our wonderful parents who volunteer at the School, or are considering volunteering. It is a requirement for all volunteers who attend the School more than seven times a year to have a Blue Card as part of child safety requirements.

If you would like to volunteer, or currently volunteer, we ask that you please get your Blue Card as soon as possible.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and your understanding that the safety and wellbeing of our boys is our priority.

A reminder to all our families about our excellent resource for parents: SchoolTV

This resource covers a range of topics presented by experts in their field including Cybersafety, Mental Health, Wellbeing, School Survival and Positive Parenting.

SchoolTV is regularly updated with new articles and videos and provides insightful information and handy tips for parents.

Click here to check it out

You can also access SchoolTV via 'Links' at the very bottom of our TGS app.

Are you concerned about your teen's angry outbursts? Anger is a powerful and intense feeling that can influence behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. Click here https://bit.ly/3qqI08o to learn more about the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy anger management, common cognitive distortions teenagers use to justify anger, and the valuable support our parents and teachers.

As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. Learn more here https://bit.ly/451qYN3