THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 27 October 2023

It is our pleasure to share with you that the TGS Barbershop opened for business this week.

Marshal Barber is on our campus to provide convenient haircut services exclusively for all of our students. We understand that grooming is an essential aspect of the personal presentation of our students and we want to ensure that our boys have access to quality grooming services. The Barbershop is located under the Centenary Dining Hall next to the Uniform Shop.

Operating Hours

Week 4: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Week 5 and beyond: We hope to be open from 3:10pm until 5:30pm (depending on demand)

Haircut Fee: $25 per haircut

Payment Method: EFTPOS

Bookings: Click HERE to book

Our Student Officer, Mr Matthew Harrison is a trained Barber. Please note that cash payments will not be accepted. All haircuts will be given within the School's Hair Policy, which can be found in the Student Diary.

Due to limited capacity and to ensure a smooth experience for everyone, we kindly request that parents book their sons' appointments online. Booking slots are expected to fill up quickly, so we encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding the school barbershop, please do not hesitate to contact our school office at (07) 46872500.

As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School Counsellor; subsequently, I connect deeply to renowned expert Paul Dillon’s insights offering invaluable advice to help us navigate parenting to ensure we have access to quality information and best practice alcohol education.

In his astute observations, Dillon (2023) sheds light on the diverse landscape of parenting styles, offering us invaluable insights into our roles as parents. Authoritarian parenting, as Dillon points out, involves rigid rule-setting without explanations, potentially creating an atmosphere of stress and limiting communication between parents and children. Conversely, Dillion suggests indulgent parenting, while warm and nurturing, often lacks the necessary boundaries, leading to undisciplined behaviour and challenges in developing essential life skills (2023).

As a school counsellor and educator for over 20 years with very intentional, diverse educational experiences, I can relate to neglectful environments which, Dillon (2023) further emphasises, falls on the other end of the spectrum, marked by a lack of both warmth and necessary boundaries. In such an environment, children might lack the support and guidance crucial for their development, often having to fend for themselves, hindering their ability to navigate life effectively.

Dillon's (2023) wisdom underscores the significance of finding a harmonious balance. He suggests authoritative parenting as a top-down approach that embodies parents establishing clear rules infused with warmth and support. In this approach, consequences are explained, boundaries are set out of love and protection, and children are actively involved in decision-making. This balanced style not only ensures that children comprehend rules but also fosters a sense of security and self-worth. As parents, embracing this approach nurtures a positive parent-child relationship, laying the foundation for emotional growth, mutual respect and the development of crucial life skills.

Parental Monitoring: The Gift of Security

During the holidays, our children often find themselves in diverse social settings, from family gatherings to parties with friends. Appropriate parental monitoring becomes our gift of security to them. Knowing where our children are, who they are with, and the activities they are engaged in, establishes a sense of security. This vigilance not only deters risky behaviours but also fosters open communication. As parents, our watchful eyes and ears create a safety net, ensuring our children can enjoy the festivities responsibly.

Conversations that Matter: A Holiday Tradition

The holidays offer more than just a break from routine; they present an ideal opportunity for meaningful conversations. Dillon (2023) advocates for open dialogues about alcohol and engaging in age-appropriate discussions helps to demystify these topics, allowing us to share our values, concerns and expectations. As we gather with family and friends, let’s make conversations about responsible choices an integral part of our holiday traditions. Through these discussions, we instil in our children the confidence to navigate challenges and make informed decisions, even amidst the festivities.

Nurturing Healthy Choices: A Friendly Conversation about Alcohol

As the trusted partners in our children's journey, it's crucial that we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to guide them through life’s various challenges. To support you in this important conversation, we highly recommend Paul Dillion's great resources designed to empower parents, teachers and students in fostering healthy decision-making skills in their children. We highly recommend exploring the below downloadable resources. They cover a range of topics including ‘How do you look after a drunk friend?’, ‘Introducing your child to alcohol’, ‘Alcohol and the developing brain’, and ‘Hosting a teenage party’.

1. Ten Tips for Parents of Primary School-Aged Children Around Alcohol
Link: PARENTS-2017-10-TIPS-PRIMARY.pdf (darta.net.au)

Starting the conversation early is key. These tips provide practical guidance on how to approach the subject of alcohol with your young ones, emphasising openness, honesty and setting clear boundaries.

2. 10 tips to prepare for a night out
Link: YPA-2017-10-TIPS-NIGHT-OUT.pdf (darta.net.au)

If you are planning on a night out (or even attending an event during the day) here are some simple tips that may help you and your friends have a safer and an enjoyable time.

3. Parenting Style and its Impact on Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Link: PARENTS-2017-PARENTING-STYLE.pdf (darta.net.au)

Discover the influence your parenting style can have on your child’s choices. Learn about authoritative parenting – a blend of warmth and boundaries – and how it creates a supportive environment where children can make informed decisions.

4. Parental Monitoring and its Impact on Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Link: PARENTS-2017-PARENTAL-MONITORING.pdf (darta.net.au)

Understand the significance of staying informed about your child’s activities. Effective parental monitoring acts as a safeguard, deterring risky behaviours and fostering open communication channels between parents and children.

5. Introducing Your Child to Alcohol: A Delicate Conversation
Link: PARENTS-2017-INTRODUCING-CHILD-TO-ALCOHOL.pdf (darta.net.au)

Approaching the topic of alcohol introduction can be daunting. This resource provides sensitive insights, helping parents navigate this conversation with care, ensuring it’s age-appropriate and informative.

6. Influencing Your Child’s Alcohol Consumption: Shaping Responsible Choices
Link: INFLUENCING-ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION.pdf (darta.net.au)

Learn effective ways to influence your child's attitudes towards alcohol. Discover methods to encourage responsible decision-making, empowering your child to resist peer pressure and make informed choices.

8. Hosting a Teenage Party: Creating Safe and Enjoyable Environments
Link: HOSTING-TEENAGE-PARTY.pdf (darta.net.au)

For parents of older children, this resource provides essential tips on hosting parties where fun and safety coexist. Learn strategies to ensure responsible behaviour and create memorable experiences for your teen and their friends.

In closing, the holidays remind us of the immense influence we have on our children's lives and to begin to consider having delicate conversations to influence our children with understanding,and wisdom about alcohol. For further information and valuable resources on adolescent health and drug education, please visit DARTA Fact Sheets - DARTA. May this holiday season be a time of safety and wellbeing.

Kind Regards,

Lyle Gothmann
School Counsellor

Bibliography
Dillion, Paul. (2023, October 28). Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. Fact Sheets. DARTA. https://darta.net.au/resources/facts-sheets/nameofthefactsheet

What I'd like to discuss is the hidden treasures. The boys often ask if I've read every book here; there are thousands of books, the answer is no. I honestly don't even know every title on the shelves. I inherited the library in 2019, my forebears built the collection that I grow today.

Yet, in moving and handling all of these, I have found some great books. Books that were once loved and borrowed again and again, books that have never been borrowed, stories that are moving, funny and thrilling across every conceivable genre. Stories that have been buried in corners, lost between popular series, hidden in plain sight, unread, unloved, unfound.

Waiting.

It will of course be interesting to see whether these books now see some reading with their new homes in the library, whether these books will become new favourites.

I would challenge you, readers, next time you are at a book shop, op shop or library, to dig around the hidden corners, the dark and dusty spaces, the untrod paths. Look deeper at what is there. Investigate. Who knows what hidden treasures you will turn up.

Until next time, Keep reading.

Dan Crook
Head of Library and Information Services

Traffic during school pick-up times can be slow in this area. Senior School parents are encouraged to use 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 it blocks the right lane for through traffic near the Sports Centres. This is creating a bottle neck or even, at times, stopping all traffic movement as 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.

The Transition to Senior School

If your son is transitioning to the Senior School at Toowoomba Grammar School you may be interested in our recent Blog article about transitions. This topic is also covered in our SchoolTV Channel: School Transitions | Toowoomba Grammar School (schooltv.me)

SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy and cooperation, while older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict and the complexities of international relations.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort, you will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world. Please take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://twgs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict

What is it to be a Grammar boy? Our Year 12 students enjoyed their final assembly last week and our 2023 Senior Prefect, Sewmith Samarawickrama shared his thoughts on the educators, opportunities and bonds that set Toowoomba Grammar School apart from the rest. https://bit.ly/46T9h2D

'Family First' is a core value that Kabe Ciccolini holds close in every aspect of his life. Discover how the newly appointed Assistant Head of Corfe House hopes to weave that motto into day-to-day life for our youngest boarders https://bit.ly/3Fve6DS

Best wishes to our Year 12s

Our Year 12 boys have now finished all their coursework and internal assessment items and are sitting their final examinations up until Tuesday, 14 November. It was wonderful to be part of the Junior School reunion breakfast where Junior School staff welcomed back the boys and parents who started in the Junior School. Well done to the boys who received prizes at the Year 12 Awards Assembly.

I wish all of the graduating Year 12s the very best for their final exams and I look forward to celebrating their graduation with them at the Final Assembly and Formal.

Service Opportunities

RAW Impact are a proud local company who provide hands-on, engaging and proactive service opportunities with the aim of developing personal growth among our young people. RAW Impact are offering to guide our boys in helping to rebuild a Yumba (traditional Camp) of the Gungarri nation near Mitchell. In 2024 our Year 10s will be given the opportunity to participate in this wonderful service opportunity.

The purpose of this camp is to build leadership and practical skills for the boys within a service and cultural environment. It is a great opportunity for the boys to build their resumé as they will be taught many practical building skills and enjoy a cultural experience at the same time.

RAW Impact also offer service expeditions to Cambodia and we are currently looking at potentially offering this experience to 2024 Year 11s. For more information on RAW Impact please visit RAW Impact.

Year 9 and 10 Wellbeing Lessons

In Wellbeing and Character lessons this term, Year 9 and 10 students are examining Australia’s roles and responsibilities within the international context, such as its involvement with the United Nations. Students are also studying the purpose and work of the High Court and investigating the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained. Within this unit they are investigating the following key questions:

1. How is Australia’s democracy defined and shaped by the global context?

2. How are government policies shaped by Australia’s international legal obligations?

3. What are the features of a resilient democracy?

Year 10 Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Program

On Tuesday, 10 October all Year 10 boys were involved in the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program which aims to teach our boys, who are about to or have started their learning to drive experience with real-world facts and experiences designed to get them to think about their safety when they are behind the wheel. Toowoomba Grammar School extends its appreciation to the Rotary Club for offering this program to our boys.

Headmaster’s Shield

It was announced at our Year 12 Awards Assembly last week that the 2023 winners of the Headmaster’s Shield are Mackintosh House. This is the fourth win in a row for Mackintosh after Boyce had won the Shield for four straight years from 2016 to 2019.

Attendance Policy

It is timely that I write to update parents on the key sections of our attendance policy. The information below is important reading for parents.

In accordance with the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, children between the age of 6 and 16 must be enrolled at a state or non-government school and must attend the school at all times when the School is open for instruction, or for participation in school activities. Additionally, in keeping with the co-curricular life of Toowoomba Grammar School, students are required to attend all activities as requested, some activities may occur out of normal school hours.

Authorised absence – an absence where the reason provided by the parent/caregiver is acceptable to the School.

Unauthorised absence – an absence where the reason provided by the parent/caregiver is considered to be unacceptable to the School.

Unexplained absence – an absence for which no reason is provided by the parent/caregiver.

Reporting – the School will report all authorised, unauthorised and unexplained absences on student report cards at the end of each semester. The School is also obligated to report student absences to the Department of Education at the end of each semester.

Absences from school can be recorded via the Parent Lounge. Absences from attendance at School can, however, be authorised under the following categories:

1. Health related absences
2. Pastoral or family reasons
3. Representative sporting reasons.

Absences for family holidays are typically recorded as unauthorised.

If a request for an extended absence is required, then these can be made to the respective Head of School and the following factors are considered:

• The period of absence
• The reasons for the absence
• The student’s recent history of absence
• The student’s academic progress and assessments due during or immediately following the period of absence
• The student’s capacity to complete the current curriculum studies during the absence and at the completion of the absence
• The student’s co-curricular commitments during the absence.

The decision to be absent during term time (authorised or unauthorised) carries certain expectations and understanding, namely that the student:

• Will meet with each of his teachers before his departure to ascertain the work required to keep up to date during the period of his absence
• Will identify any co-curricular commitments that he will miss during his absence and communicate this with his coaches/teachers
• Will be required to complete the work that will be missed by a time negotiated with his teacher
• May be issued with a sanction if the work is incomplete in part or whole upon their return from the absence.

Parents may be requested to provide documentary explanation for all absences. This includes the provision of documents that satisfy the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) requirements for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (ARAA). Specifically, examinations for Year 11 and 12 students can only be rescheduled with supporting documentation from a medical professional. Medical certificates must include the reason for the absence as per the Academic and Assessment Policy.

The School is not obliged to provide alternative class, assessment or lost time for students who may be granted absence. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the work missed during their absence and the School will not discount fees for the period of absence.

Regards

Mark Oliphant
Head of Senior School

Loads of Love Christmas appeal

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

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

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

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

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

Closing out this week marks the midpoint of Term 4, and we enter a phase of the year where we prepare students for the year ahead either through transition or orientation events, celebrating milestones or developing readiness for the next stage of their development. For example, in the next two weeks our Year 6 cohort will be going on camp, Year 5 will be attending a leadership day and collectively both Year 5 and Year 6 will enjoy a social with the Glennie School and Fairholme College. It’s a busy phase but with each event or occasion we make the connection to our boys that this helps everyone to mark the time in readiness for the next stage.

Year 6 Camp

Monday, 30 October to Wednesday, 1 November, the Year 6 cohort will spend two nights and three days away at Emu Gully where they will be sleeping in tents and preparing meals outdoors under the stars. This is an outdoor adventure experience for the boys where they take on greater responsibility by setting up their camp while participating in activities throughout each day. The activities are designed to build team skills and grow their confidence, setting goals they can achieve together. As the cohort prepares for moving into Year 7 this camp provides a wonderful opportunity for the group to experience the impact of collective support for each other to achieve things each day.

Leadership

The Year 5 cohort will be hosting a leadership day next week where they will work through activities and tasks to build their knowledge on the qualities of effective leadership and how a student leader can have an impact in their setting. We value leadership at all age levels and settings. Leadership begins with personal leadership from our youngest boys in Prep, beginning to look after their own belongings at School and being responsible for certain classroom tasks. This grows over time with experiences in team, group and House settings where boys will often mentor or role model for their peers or younger students. There are opportunities for team captaincy and leading smaller projects either at cohort levels or in Co-curricular activities. When Year 5 begins preparing for their final year in the Junior School, we discuss how they all are leaders as a Year 6 cohort. Every student will have a leadership component to their final year in the Junior School within their House each fortnight during Mates sessions. Experiencing leadership at a small group level where each Year 6 student looks after five to six younger peers from their House has tremendous value in getting to know their personalities and interests, supporting them, mentoring them and guiding them through activities. This gives every student the experience of what its like to be a leader. Then there are opportunities to take this further through expression of interest. Year 5 students are invited to apply for badge holder positions in House captain or School captain roles. These positions carry additional responsibilities which, for some students seeking that experience, is a wonderful opportunity for them to work through. This process begins next week with the leadership day then will follow in the weeks ahead through an application process which involves preparing a speech to be delivered to their House and sitting an interview with members of the School leadership team. Wonderful life experiences and I wholeheartedly wish every Year 5 student the very best as they begin this journey. They will all be tremendous leaders as a Year 6 cohort.

Over the past few weeks we’ve already held a few milestones events that have been lovely moments to reflect on and mark the passage of time. The Junior School hosted Year 12s and their parents in their final week of school for a 'reunion' breakfast where they reminisced on their school journey that began in the Junior School many years ago. It was a wonderful moment to share together with reflections from Deputy Headmaster, Mr John Anderson as both a member of staff who has been there for the full journey with the boys but also as a parent of a son in the gradating cohort. Deputy Head of Junior School, Mr Mike Sharpe shared his memories of the boys’ time in the Junior School and offered them a moment to pause on the significance of the connection they all share together now as alumni. Two Year 12 boys, Max Durkin and Charlie Randall also shared some of their favourite memories of their time in the Junior school and thanked their peers, teachers and families for their support along the way. It was a terrific moment to share together and see the School journey as a whole, recognising how much the boys have developed as young people and everyone’s part in that process. We extend our sincere thanks to Junior School Administrator, Mrs Karen Miller for her coordination of the event, Junior School teachers in attendance, the Year 12 families, Mr Sharpe and Mr Anderson for their contributions to this wonderful occasion.

On Friday, 20 October, the Year 3 cohort enjoyed what must be one of their most favourite days of the year, Billy Cart day! This is an occasion that helps to recognise a phase of the Junior School that is important for the boys and their families to pause, enjoy together and look ahead into Year 4. Year 3, in our setting, marks the moving from early childhood to middle primary school. In Year 4, our boys uniform changes to include the TGS Blazer and Akubra, and they also physically move classrooms to the top level alongside the Years 5 and 6s. Their curriculum content grows in Year 4, as does their responsibility to manage increasing co-curricular commitments. Billy Cart day is a shared experience for the boys to build a billy cart together with their parents and ride them down some of the most beautiful pathways you could ever ask for, within our School setting. These are memories that will stay with the boys and their parents forever. Year 3 teacher, Mr Jayson Mullins made the occasion even more special by preparing Billy Cart licences for the boys to earn by demonstrating their driving proficiency through an obstacle course set up on the oval. Once this was successfully navigated (with the engine power of a parent pushing the cart) they were presented with their Billy Cart licence and a personalised number plate to attach to their vehicle. Then the boys took to the Jacaranda Grove for some downhill runs. The afternoon was tremendous fun and memorable for everyone. At the conclusion of the event, we congratulated the boys on a job well done and shared their readiness for the next step in their Junior School journey, on to Year 4!

Warms regards and appreciation,
Ken

Athletics
On 20 October, our Track and Field season culminated with the GPS Championships at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC). The boys enjoyed the atmosphere of competing against other schools and some fine performances were recorded. While we didn’t come in the top three, the boys’ attitude and effort could not be questioned. The pride of wearing the blue and gold singlet was evident in the performances of all boys.

PE
Swimming lessons will commence in Week 5 for boys in Years 4-6. These lessons will take place in regular Physical Education class time. Boys should ensure they have the TGS togs, towel and swimming cap for these classes.

Brendan Doherty
Sportsmaster

Final Cadence Concert
All parents, friends and family are invited to attend the Final Cadence Concert on Tuesday, 7 November at 5:30pm in the Junior School Hall to showcase our Junior School ensembles.

Year 2 Strings and Year 4 Instrumental Concert
All Year 2 and Year 4 parents are invited to our special concerts in Week 6 where the boys can showcase their work from throughout the year.

Ensemble rehearsals
All ensembles will continue with their weekly rehearsals this term. Should an ensemble rehearsal be cancelled, or if rehearsals are finishing prior to the end of the term, you will be notified directly from the conductor. Please also email the conductor of the ensemble should your son be absent from a scheduled rehearsal. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Monday, 16 October saw the Assembly Hall transformed for the annual Take Note Concert and Performing Arts Awards. The night featured performances from our wonderful musicians and TiGAA ensembles and students, who have contributed so much to our Performing Arts programs, were acknowledged with awards.

Well done to all involved and thank you to the amazing music and drama teachers and tutors who organised this awesome night. Please enjoy some photos from the event.

The recent GPS Track and Field Championships saw an incredible display of talent and determination, with several outstanding achievements, especially by the boys representing our School. Among the stars of the day were Joe Mayers, Ed Rogan, Matt Taylor, Nick Denny and Hinata Inoue, who clinched gold in their respective events, showcasing their dedication to the sport and the School.

Joe Mayers showcased his remarkable jumping ability by securing the gold medal in the Open High Jump. Ed Rogan displayed precision and strength in the Open Javelin, claiming the gold medal. Matt Taylor's strength and precision earned him the gold medal in the Open Discus, while Nick Denny's speed was unmatched in the 16 Years 200m, resulting in a gold medal victory. Hinata Inoue demonstrated exceptional strength and technique, securing the gold medal in the 15 Years Shot Put.

These outstanding achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our athletes. They also reflect the commitment of our coaching staff and the School's support system. The success of these athletes is a source of pride for the entire School community and an inspiration to current and future athletes. A big thanks to our Head Coach, Mr Jai Gordon and everyone involved this GPS Track and Field season.

Thursday, 12 October was a very special day for the Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadets as TGS students and staff paid their respects to the graduating Year 12 cadets and congratulated them on another epic year. The 131^st Annual March Out Parade was held on a glorious day on Old Boys' Memorial Oval, with current TGS parent and Commandant of Oakey Aviation Training Centre, Colonel Dave Lynch graciously accepting the invitation to be Reviewing Officer.

Colonel Lynch spoke about character and leadership and the benefits of being an Army Cadet. He made special mention of the fact that this parade was proudly, and for the last time, under the command of our Senior Cadet Under Officer Johannah Whittle. The cadets were resplendent in their ceremonial DPCU, demonstrating their respect for tradition, for the Cadet Unit and for our Senior Ranks as they completed their leadership of the unit.

Congratulations to the 2023 Award recipients for their dedication and commitment to the unit over the past year:

TGS Parents and Friends Award (Service to Cadets)

SCUO JOEY WHITTLE

CUO MAX PAYNE-BAILEY

SGT LAWSON BOOTH

CUO TAYLOR SHEEHAN

WO2 TOM KNUDSEN

SGT LEO GORDON

CPL AIDEN MUNCHENBERG

Janet and Harold Partridge Prize (Most Efficient CUO)

SCUO JOEY WHITTLE

SQNLDR Stuart Halifax Trophy (Leadership by Example)

CUO TAYLOR SHEEHAN

The Officer Commanding Award (To the CSM)

WO2 TOM KNUDSEN

Ron Cullingford Memorial Award (Most Promising First Year Cadet)

CDT CHARLIE CHEN

WO1 Walter John (Wally) Davies Memorial Shield (Best Second Year Cadet)

CDT LACHLAN COLLINS

CAPT J.R. Franklin Award (Best Junior NCO)

CPL KATE LINDENMAYER

MAJ G.E. Ainsbury Award (Best Senior NCO)

SGT LAWSON BOOTH

The Honour Blade (Leadership and Teamwork)

SGT HEATHER MCKENZIE

Patron’s Award (Exceptional Dedication of Service to the Unit)

CUO MAX PAYNE-BAILEY

SQNLDT Jack Doyle, DSO, DFC & Bar Commemoration Propeller (For Outstanding Commitment to TGS Cadet Traditions)

SCUO JOEY WHITTLE

49^th Battalion and Social Club Honour Guard Plaque (Honour Guard Leader)

CPL AIDEN MUNCHENBERG

Prior to Thursday’s Parade, the Year 12 cadets, their parents and special guests sat down in the magnificent TGS Old Hall to celebrate their resilience and commitment and enjoy a beautiful three course dinner prepared by the Chartwells chefs. Guest speaker was Captain Lachlan McDonald, TGS Old Boy (2010) and current Adjutant of 11^th Brigade, Gallipoli Barracks. TGS Army Cadets wish to thank Capt. McDonald and his wife Carla for taking the time to speak to the cadets about three very important life lessons.

As TGS Army Cadets look towards the end of another wonderful year, we thank the Year 12 Cadets for their leadership, their commitment and their service. Best wishes with your future and remain ‘Semper Fidelis’.

Come and Try Orienteering!

Sunday 29 October, Joseph Leadbetter Park, Memsie Ct, Toowoomba, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Sunday 5 November, Mater Dei, Campbell St, Toowoomba, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Sunday 19 November, Centenary Park, Crows Nest, 3:30pm – 5:00pm. Bring your swimmers, everyone is welcome to our club breakup in the pool from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Pool entry included in the entry fees.

Register: Online at the event calendar Eventor Australia - Event calendar (orienteering.asn.au) OR email rroc.oq@gmail.com

Entry fees: Pay on the day by cash, credit card or PayID (rrocpay@gmail.com) on your Smartphone

Members – Junior (under 21) $5, Senior $6, Family $17

Non-members – Junior (under 21) $8, Senior $10, Family $28

SI hire $2

Questions? Email Felicity rroc.oq@gmail.com or phone 0427523541

QLD Open Water Swimming Championships

Congratulations to Year 11 student, Alex Reddacliff for his bronze medal in the 17 years 5km event held at the Open Water Championships at Coolum last weekend.

GPS Pre Season Training

We have commenced preseason swim sessions. I encourage any boys who swam on the GPS team this year to try to attend.

Monday afternoon sprint club is on 3:30pm – 4:00pm.

Wednesday morning full squad session 6:30am – 7:30am followed by a BBQ breakfast.

Darwin Hottest 7s

A TGS U14 team recently participated in the Darwin Hottest Rugby 7s tournament. We won this division last year and were looking forward to competing once again. Our boys were brilliant but ran out of steam, going down in the final. The NT rugby community are to be congratulated on running a terrific event, everyone is very friendly and incredibly hospitable. We can’t wait to go again next year.

South-West 7s

As we reach the midway point of the local SW7s competition, a few reminders for all players:

• Players are to ensure they are in correct rugby uniform
• Players are to commit to the whole competition. We are unable to chop and change our teams each week. Please email if you are unable to attend any fixtures.
• Good sportsmanship is expected at all times

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would greatly appreciate you sharing the following information with other non-TGS families:

Each year Toowoomba Grammar School awards a number of Trustees' Academic Bursaries to boys entering Year 7. Applications for boys entering Year 7 in 2025 are now open.

To apply for a Trustees' Academic Bursary, please register your son, who should be in Year 5 in 2023 or Year 6 in 2024, for the ACER scholarship examination here.

The examination will take place at Toowoomba Grammar School on Saturday, 24 February 2024. ACER does offer alternate test centres for candidates who live in remote areas.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 4 February 2024.

Did you know we offer lap swimming at the Aquatic Centre?

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 5:30am-6:30am
$10 / person per session

A coach will be present but children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lap swimming will be available during term time and the holidays and this is for both TGS families and the general public, so let your friends know!

Is your son currently in Prep or due to start in 2024 or 2025? We are excited to invite him to Toowoomba Grammar School's Prep Come & Play day on Saturday, 28 October.

Come and meet our warm and nurturing Prep teachers, along with key staff from TGS, explore our beautiful facilities and enjoy a sneak peek at how the years ahead could look for your little boy as we help to ignite his love of learning.

Register here https://bit.ly/40iZgZ9

Location

The Margaret and Mackenzie Streets intersection in East Toowoomba.

Timing

Construction works commenced in mid-September 2023 and are expected to be completed in mid-to-late December 2023, weather permitting.

Works being completed

Installing traffic lights, upgrading kerb and channel and introducing bicycle awareness zones to improve the overall operation and safety of the intersection and cater for future traffic demands.

Current road closures

Thursday 19 October to mid-November 2023

Future road closures

• Weekend of 28 to 29 October (exact dates and times to be confirmed).
  Margaret Street between Godfrey Street and the southern section of Mackenzie Street will be closed. Local access will be maintained. Detours will be in place for all other traffic.
  
  
• Mid-November to early December 2023 (exact dates and times to be confirmed closer to the closure).
  Margaret Street between Godfrey and Curzon streets will be closed to westbound traffic. Local access will be maintained. Westbound traffic will be detoured via Arthur Street.

Traffic control will be in place during all road closures.

Council apologises for the inconvenience and thanks businesses for their patience and co-operation.

Further information:

Please contact Kate Obst, Stakeholder Engagement on 4688 8614 or kate.obst@tr.qld.gov.au

The School’s Complaints Handling Policy is designed to ensure that student, parent or staff complaints are dealt with in a responsive, efficient, effective, transparent and fair way. The School will seek to resolve issues quickly and use principles of conflict resolution to ensure that complaints are resolved with the least amount of stress for those involved. Processes for dealing with a complaint may be formal or informal depending on the nature of the complaint. The School recognises the need to treat all parties with fairness. It views formal complaints as serious.

The policy and related documents can be found on the TGS website at Policies & Procedures - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au).