established 1875 headmaster’s newsletter...2019/02/19 · of engineering, design and psychology...

At a Glance...

TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Established 1875

Headmaster’sNewsletter

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Director of Studies

Headmaster

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor

Head of Junior School

Head of Senior School

Deputy Headmaster

Director of Sport and Activities

Director of Boarding

Director of Performance

Cadets

Library

Boarder Parents’ Support Group

School Notices

Parent Lounge Updates

Preparing for Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week

Parent Teacher Meetings

Assessment Periods

School Counsellor and Mental Health

‘Elevate Education’ Parent Seminar

Forthcoming Music Events

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

From the Headmaster

January 2019 represented the commencement of my seventeenth year as Headmaster of this wonderful School, an honour of which I am extremely proud. In my first newsletter to the School, back in January of 2003, I mentioned the warmth of welcome from the parents, staff, Old Boys and students, following our relocation from Melbourne to Toowoomba to become the Headmaster of this School. Some things have remained unchanged since 2003 and there have also been huge changes. I wish to consider some of these.

In January 2003 I arrived when Toowoomba and Queensland were in a very serious drought. At present we can all relate to this and my thoughts go out to all, particularly those in regional, rural and outback regions who are reliant on favourable weather conditions. I take the opportunity of thanking all of you as current parents for the sacrifices you are making in enabling your son(s) to be educated at Toowoomba Grammar School. I hope you regard the necessary financial cost of

enrolments as a long-term investment. The outcome will be seen in the longer term with both the School and you as parents combining in our efforts to produce well-adjusted, caring and well-rounded young men, who will be offered a range of positive options after leaving school to live a full and rewarding life. Relevant to the current drought, my arrival to Toowoomba Grammar School in January 2003 was at a time when most of the ovals were without much grass cover and the embankments on all ovals were bare Toowoomba red dirt. Today we are still struggling but all ovals show some illusion of lushness with our pop-up sprinkling system from the bore.

My educational philosophy and the goals of the School have largely remained constant throughout this period 2003 – 2019. We continue to maintain a curriculum that is largely academic and relevant;

Headmaster

Dear Parents,

On behalf of my wife, Thérèse, and myself I wish the entire school community a safe, rewarding, happy and fulfilling 2019.

Established 1875


A GPS School for boys Prep - Year 12Boarders from Year 5

PO Box 2900, Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA

Telephone: (07) 4687 2500 Facsimile: (07) 4687 2666Email: [email protected]

ABN 86 510 299 250 - CRICOS Reg No. 00525D

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Deputy Headmaster


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however, we have seen significant changes in the subject offerings over time. When I first arrived we did not have the study of Drama in the Senior curriculum. Several years ago we introduced a new subject called Philosophy and Reason. This year we have introduced the study of Engineering, Design and Psychology in Year 11. Also, obviously the information technology (now Digital Solutions) subjects have grown enormously over the years. In other articles in this newsletter, you will also read of the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and various changes in names to subjects, such as General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics replacing the former Mathematics A, B and C from previous years. Basically in terms of academic study, the School remains committed to an emphasis on academic endeavour and progress at an individual’s highest possible level. To this end, I was extremely pleased to see the very favourable Year 12 results for the School and our young men in 2018.

Whilst we focus on an academic curriculum, we are still mindful that not all of our boys will seek to pursue academic tertiary study post school. We therefore continue also to provide a vibrant and extensive program of vocational educational subjects and school-based traineeships for those with such a focus.

The School also continues to commit its energies and resources to offering an extensive and engaging program of co-curricular activities. This is consistent with our intent on developing the whole boy; that is, creating opportunities to develop well-rounded young men engaging not only in academic study but also in sport, music, drama, public speaking, community service, cadets, the outdoors and other offerings.

In my first TGS newsletter of 2003 I also referred to maintaining a structured, purposeful and supportive learning and social environment.

In this regard nothing has changed. This remains as current and relevant now as it did then and I thank the teaching staff for their efforts in enabling the boys to learn to the best of their ability. Boys may not publicly acknowledge it but they appreciate structure and orderliness in their lives, as long as the rules are fair, understood and consistently applied. It is in a structured and disciplined environment that the boys are able to learn most effectively, realise that there are consequences associated with their actions and feel secure and safe at school.

In 2003, I re-iterated, as I do now, the School’s commitment to single-sex schooling. It is in an all-boy environment that we can best direct our teaching and learning strategies to meet the specific needs of boys. The School is a member of the International Boys’ Schools’ Coalition, a world-wide body established to investigate the best possible learning and social strategies to promote the welfare of boys in schools. Whilst we acknowledge that boys learn best in an all-boy environment, we are also actively engaging with the all-girls’ schools in Toowoomba in a variety of contexts to enable our boys to interact positively with girls.

Finally, the School continues to be committed to the provision of quality pastoral care for the boys. It involves, as a priority, how we as a school can seek to know, understand, care for and guide our students, not as a collective mass but as individuals. This is coupled with the students displaying a consideration of the needs of others in the School and the wider community. The values and behaviours exhibiting honesty, unselfishness, tolerance, initiative, kindness, politeness, co-operation, team work, commitment, perseverance and resilience are all promoted in the pastoral care program offered by the Houses and their Pastoral Care Groups.

Headmaster

Boys may not publically acknowledge it but they appreciate structure and orderliness in their lives, as long as the rules are fair, understood and consistently applied.

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Director of Studies




Library

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So, what’s changed since my first year as TGS Headmaster in 2003. I arrived to lead a school with an enrolment of only 886 students – 183 students in the Junior School and 703 students in the Senior School. We commence 2019 with a student enrolment of 1,159. At that time in 2003, the Year 7s were part of the Junior School and only in that year were Junior School classes introduced to Year 1-3. Later we saw the introduction of the ‘Prep’ year and the transfer of the Year 7s to secondary school. In 2003 the Pastoral Care Houses were either for boarders or dayboys, without an effective integration of both groups. This changed in 2004. Up until 2012 the boys had to select to play either rugby union or soccer, unlike the far more preferable offering at present where the boys can participate in the playing of both sports.

Only some of the current staff can recall the times with me when we only had an outdoor swimming pool, a very small Junior School, no air-conditioning in the Assembly Hall or Library or classrooms, only one gymnasium, a very small Pavilion, inadequate teaching spaces for art, drama and industrial arts and Boarding Houses requiring refurbishment. Many of you may not be aware that in the early years, we had a driveway through the entire school with vehicles driving through the School entering via Margaret Street and exiting via Herries Street. The implications on the boys’ safety as pedestrians are obvious. In those times there were no laptops and no wireless connectivity throughout the School. Parents, consider our students not having mobile phones in those days… a joy for a Headmaster.

I remain as enthusiastic and committed to being the Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School now as I was in 2003. The Chairman of the School’s Board of Trustees, Mr Glen McCracken, has publicly announced my intention to retire in two years’ time, that is at the

conclusion of the 2020 school year. This will represent my eighteenth year as Headmaster and certainly time for the School to welcome a new Headmaster who can retain the positive values and traditions of this wonderful School but also to embrace the many challenges of the future.

I wish you and your son(s) all the very best for this year. The School has been extremely fortunate in once again attracting some capable and experienced teachers and administrative staff to join us this year. I extend my best wishes to the new staff, new boys, new parents and the existing School Community as we embrace all that is offered at Toowoomba Grammar School.

With best wishes, Yours sincerely

Peter B. HauserHeadmaster

Headmaster

I extend my best wishes to the new staff, new

boys, new parents and the existing

School Community.

RIP Nicholas Henry Barker

03/04/06 – 03/02/19

Forever in our Hearts

The entire TGS School community extends heartfelt condolences to the Barker family.

Headmaster


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Deputy Headmaster

From the Deputy HeadmasterWelcome to the new school year.

I extend a warm welcome to students and their families as we commence the new school year. In particular, I wish to welcome those who join our School community in 2019. Each school year provides for new opportunities and I am looking forward to working alongside the boys and staff as we strive to achieve all that we can in the year ahead. The manner in which the boys have commenced is most encouraging, with an air of vigour and enthusiasm.

Prefects

At the end of 2018, the elected Prefects for 2019 spent time away on a planning retreat. The team, led by Senior Prefect, Will Purcell, worked together particularly well to establish key areas of focus for the new year. The Prefects, along with many Year 12 boys who hold House and committee leadership positions, have got straight to task, implementing many new initiatives as they work toward their 2019 goals.

Will Purcell had the opportunity to address the Senior School at a recent assembly and introduce the Prefects’ theme for the year. “Stand Up” is the underlying motto this year and Will encouraged boys to consider this in all areas of school life. Stand up for others; stand up for our academics and strive for our very best; stand up and represent with intent in sport and activities; standup and volunteer for service

activities. Will highlighted to the boys, the following message:

“Standing up for our School is about actively modelling passion and gratitude. Modelling passion is about having the strength to work with pride every day of your life, being fulfilled by your work today, and being inspired to come back tomorrow. Modelling passion can be honouring those who came before us by showing pride in our uniform. It can be as simple as endeavouring to be engaged in the classroom. Stand up for Grammar.”

“Stand Up” is mentioned in two well-known TGS war cries and provides a reminder to boys of this message each time they are sung.

Along similar lines, my hope for boys in 2019 is that they are engaged in all that they do. Specifically, I am seeking for boys to be actively engaged in their learning, engaged in their co-curricular activities, engaged with their peers and their House, engaged with the community, be it through service to others or with clubs and activities, and engaged in their own self-growth and improvement.

Technology

The TGS Information Technology Department had a hectic school holiday period preparing 450 new laptop computers for a mass

Established 1875


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Director of Studies




Library

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School Counsellor


School Notices

roll-out to Year 7, 8 and 9 students and further laptops for Junior School students in Years 4-6. Additionally, teaching staff in the Senior School have new laptops with advanced features to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.

We are pleased with the move to school-provided laptops rather than iPads for the younger boys. The laptop is provided for educational use only and iPads are no longer required for school use at home. We are hoping this provides less technological distraction with more time devoted to homework, sports and activities and other leisure pursuits after school hours. Parents will be provided with laptop use monitoring tips in future correspondence.

School Photograph Changes

Co-curricular and other special school photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advancedlife photography this year. We have arranged for all school photography packages to be ordered online. This will allow parents to have control over what photos are ordered throughout the year.

Orders for photography packages can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our School’s unique 9 digit Advanced order code: CN5 ZBK YE5. As sporting teams and other co-curricular photos become available, a notification will be sent to parents. Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please direct them via email to [email protected]. Introduction to the Parent Lounge

Have you logged into your Parent Lounge lately? Notice anything new?

In an effort to reduce the amount of paperwork parents are required to fill in over the school year, we are beginning trials of a new module in

our current Parent Lounge – Tours and Excursions.

This new module will not only be used for tours and excursions, but also other events and occurrences (eg. Year 12 Formal, and ordering and paying for sports training shirts).

In preparation, parents are asked to ensure they have completed their son’s details in the 2019 Update of Health History document. (Click here) Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where do I find Parent Lounge?

The long way: www.twgs.qld.edu.au >> LOGIN > PARENTS > Parent Lounge

The short way:

https://tass.twgs.qld.edu.au/ParentLounge/login.cfm

• What is my Username and Password?

Your Username is your 5-digit Family Account Number. If you can’t remember your password, please call the School Reception (46872500) or IT for assistance.

• Why do I need to login to Parent Lounge?

Parent Lounge is a one-stop-shop for your son’s School information. You can:

• View a full history of your son’s Academic Reports

• Approve for your son to attend Tours and Excursions (new)

• Book Parent-Teacher meeting times

• Update Address Details

We are pleased to move to school-provided

laptops rather then iPads for the younger boys.

Deputy Headmaster

https://goo.gl/forms/4i7setvB0UdONKKy1

http://www.twgs.qld.edu.au

https://tass.twgs.qld.edu.au/ParentLounge/login.cfm

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• Pay School Fees via credit card (with no surcharge)

• View Co-Curricular Activities

• See Daily Notices

• Update General Medical Details

In preparation for the Camps and Activities week being conducted at the end of Term One, it is imperative that your son’s medical details have been updated.

Container Exchange

In November last year, Queensland introduced the Container Exchange scheme providing 10c for every returned bottle or can. Prior to this the recycling statistics for Queensland were disappointing:

• Queenslanders use nearly 3 billion drink containers each year.

• The majority of containers are not recycled, ending up in landfill or as litter.

• Drink containers are the second most littered item in the state, accounting for 23 per cent.

• Queensland has one of the lowest recycling rates in Australia at 44 per cent.

The goal of the Container Exchange program is to reduce litter and marine pollution, increase Queensland’s recycling rate and boost fundraising opportunities for community groups. Over the holidays, we have installed a number of recycling bins at the School specifically for bottles and cans that can be exchanged and ultimately recycled. The Interact Club will be co-ordinating the recycling program at school and funds raised will be directed to charities of choice.

You can help by looking to use the yellow recycling bins when at School for sport and other events. If you wish to collect containers at home, you can also “donate” these to the TGS account by quoting our ID number C10080928 at exchange facilities.

John AndersonDeputy Headmaster

Over the holidays, we have installed a number of recycling bins at the School specifically for bottles and cans that can be exchanged and ultimately recycled.

Deputy Headmaster

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From the Head of Senior School

The boys have all started the year very well; however, several boys have been, and continue to be, affected by personal and family tragedies and accidents. My thoughts and prayers go to those who lost loved ones recently, as well as to those affected by drought or flood.

It is energising to have all the boys back at school. Most have returned in good spirits, are well presented and ready for the year ahead. Thank you to all of the parents who understand the importance of setting and maintaining standards for young men. In the classroom the boys are engaged, working hard and doing what their teachers ask.

Orientation and Activities Day On the second Sunday of this term orientation and activities sessions were run in the afternoon for all Year 7 boys. Senior leaders helped co-ordinate the activities with the main intention being to allow the Year 7 boys to meet others, to begin to develop their connection to the School and their House, and to relax and enjoy themselves. The Senior leaders ran a variety of games and activities, including learning the School Song and the School’s War Cry, Tug-O-War, Touch Football and Futsal. It was especially pleasing to see the bond developing between the older boys and the Year 7s in what was an entertaining afternoon.

School Spirit We have already enjoyed our first home GPS fixture for the year with our Cricketers hosting Gregory Terrace on the first Saturday of the

term. It was pleasing to see so many boys turn up to support our 1st XI players with Prefects and members of the Spirit Squad handing out ice blocks and awarding Pride Points to those who supported. Pride Points badges are awarded on Prefect Assemblies throughout the year to boys from each House who show the most school spirit. Senior Prefect, Will Purcell addressed the Senior School boys on assembly in week two and encouraged all boys to “Stand Up for Grammar” in 2019. This motto from the Prefects resonates with me on a number of fronts. Firstly, it fits in nicely with our focus on the three “Rs”: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience.

• Boys are expected to respect others and stand up to those who are not being respectful.

• We ask the boys to stand up and be responsible for their actions.

• We encourage the boys to stand up in the face of adversity, when the going gets tough and demonstrate their grit and resilience.

I have no doubt that 2019 will be a rewarding year for our Seniors if they continue to display the commitment that they have in the first three weeks. Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week All Senior School boys will be engaged in camps or activities in the final week of this term. There is a wonderful array of


Established 1875


It has been a bittersweet start to 2019.

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Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




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destinations and activities planned across all the ages. We view this week as a very important part of the Personal Development program at the School and, as such, expect all boys to attend. Parents will receive an email with all the relevant camp information. Please contact the Student Services Office if you have any questions regarding the Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week. House Colours A significant number of boys have been to Student Services since term started to apply for House Colours. To be eligible, boys need to show consistent endeavour in a range of House and School activities. Boys need to accumulate points in four categories: Category A – House Sport/House ActivityCategory B – Cultural/Academic/Cadets/Outdoor Activities/ Clubs/Societies Category C – GPS Sport and Other Sport Category D – Service Boys are first eligible for House Half Colours. They then continue to earn points towards House Full Colours and House Honour Colours. Full details of the Colours process can be found from page 32 in the Senior School Student Diary. Boys can collect their House Colour application forms from the Student Services Office. GPS Championship Events The first GPS Championship event for the year is Swimming which will be held at Chandler on Friday, 8 March. It is a great event to start the year; many boys enjoy spectating and supporting our swimmers. All Year 12 students are expected to attend as spectators and other boys are welcome to sign up to attend. We expect all boys in Years 9 to 12 to support one GPS event per year, and as noted in the School calendar, all Year 9 boys will attend GPS Cross Country in Term 2 and all Year 10 and 11 boys will attend the GPS Track and Field Championships in Term 4.

Parent-Teacher Meetings – Term 2 Please see the details below for Term 2 Parent-Teacher meetings. The meetings will be split between boarders and dayboys over two days and meetings can be booked online through the Parent Portal. The portal will be open to commence booking meetings on Monday, 1 April. Should there be interview space available on Tuesday, 23 April, day parents would have the additional option to book on this day. The portal will be open for these particular bookings in the final week of the school holidays, commencing Monday, 15 April.

Leave from School If your son requires leave from School for medical, representative sporting, bereavement or family reasons then please email me at [email protected]. Please avoid using term time for family holidays. Finally, we are conscious of how busy the traffic is around the School each afternoon. I ask all parents to please remember that they are driving in a school zone and need to adhere to the rules. The safety of the boys is paramount. Please take care when dropping off and picking up your sons.

Mark OliphantHead of Senior School

The safety of the boys is paramount. Please take care when dropping off

and picking up your sons.


Location Date Sessions

Boarders

Dayboys

Hugh Rose Building

Hugh Rose Building

Tuesday, 23 April

Monday, 29 April

11:00am - 1:00pm; 3:00pm - 4:30pm

3:30pm - 5:30pm; 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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Established 1875



From the Head of Junior School

New uniforms, shiny new shoes and a sense of joy have all been in abundance across the first few weeks of the school year. Watching the four and five year olds in Prep commencing ‘big school’ is a wonderful moment in time for the other boys, teachers and parents. It is good to have the boys back at school once again, full of excitement, noise and laughter.

We welcomed 68 new boys to the Junior School for the start of the year, along with their parents. I extend my very best wishes to all boys, new or continuing, for a successful start to the academic year and trust that 2019 is most positive for all concerned.

Staff

One of the greatest strengths of the Junior School is the quality of the staff. We have wonderful teachers, teacher aides and administrative staff, all of whom enjoy

working at Toowoomba Grammar School. Updated staff information is provided in the following paragraphs.

Mr Brendan Doherty has been appointed as Junior School Sportsmaster. Mr Doherty has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies), majoring in physical education from the University of Queensland. Mr Doherty has taught for over 20 years and has experience in Australia and overseas. He initially taught PE in a number of State Schools in South East Queensland early in his career. He subsequently taught in Japan for a decade at the International School of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo, where he became Head of Sport and Head of Department (PE). Since returning to Australia with his wife and children, he taught at Downlands College in a range of subjects, while coaching various sporting teams. Mr Doherty was educated at Downlands College as a student.

Dear Parents, this is a most optimistic time of the year in our School and is full of energy and enthusiasm.

L-R Will Phillips, Louis Ramia and James Jenkins enjoying reading in Prep M

Prep boys enjoying their first weekly swimming lesson

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I wish Junior School staff, boys and parents all the very best for a successful and positive

2019.


Mrs Samantha (Sam) Costello has been appointed as our new Learning Support Teacher (P – 6). Mrs Costello has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the Australian Catholic University and a Masters of Education specialising in Autism from Griffith University. She has taught in both primary and secondary schools, with her previous

appointment being at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Brisbane as a Learning Support teacher. Mrs Costello also acted as Head of Learning Support for a period of time at her previous school.

Two of our class teachers, Mrs Natalie Walker and Mrs Kathryn Stewart, remain on maternity leave for 2019. Miss Annabel Overell joins us as a Year 4 teacher on a one-year contract. Miss Overell holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of New England and was educated at Downlands College. Her teaching experiences include a number of schools in New South Wales as well as some international experience in Nepal and Uganda. As an undergraduate she gained practical experience at both Sydney Grammar School (a GPS School in New South Wales) and at Cranbrook, another large all-boys’ school in Sydney. Miss Overell taught at St Joseph’s Primary School in Wee Waa, New South Wales last year.Mr Jordan Swinney has been appointed as a Year 3 teacher on a one-year contract. Mr Swinney holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Southern Queensland and

has teaching experiences both in Australia and overseas. Jordan previously taught at Dalby Christian College.

In addition, several internal appointments occurred as follows:

• Mr Rob Jeffries was appointed to the senior position of Head of Teaching and Learning in our Junior School following Mrs Heffernan’s retirement. Mr Jeffries also teaches one of our Year 6 classes.

• Mrs Amy Casey was appointed as Co-ordinator of Years 4 to 6 and also teaches one of our Year 6 classes.

• Miss Ellie McLiesh was appointed as Mackintosh Housemaster.

I wish Junior School staff, boys and parents all the very best for a successful and positive 2019.

Aarav Desai and Arthur Sengaroun in Mrs Grills’ Prep class enjoying school.

Miss McLiesh’s Prep class giving a thumbs up to the school

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School NoticesYear 6 School Leaders The Junior School assembly held in the second week of the school year was an important one, with our School Leaders being formally inducted into their positions. The boys were presented to the rest of our School community and recited the leaders’ oath, which relates back to our core values. Congratulations to our seven student leaders and best wishes to these boys, along with our entire Year 6 cohort as they lead the Junior School students in 2019.

I am delighted by the optimism and energy that have typified our School since the start of term, with boys and staff fully engaged in the excitement of a new school year. I look forward to a productive, positive and rewarding first term for the boys and staff. Regards,

Scott CampbellHead of Junior School

Junior School Student Leaders(front row, left to right) School Vice Captain Hayden Fellenberg and School Captain Jett Heffernan. (back row, left to right) House Captains, Charlie Lachmund, William Dwan, Matthew Jacob, Hammond Briggs and Archer Onley

I look forward to a productive, positive and rewarding first term for

the boys and staff.


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Director of Studies

Established 1875


From the Director of Studies

While the media will draw a lot of attention to the New QCE and the year 11 cohort, it is essential that the boys in Year 12, who are the last cohort to work towards an OP understand that the OP is a time tested and rigorous system for which we have a deep understanding. We have a lot of data from previous cohorts and our current data on the cohort of 2019, indicate that this is a group with a lot of potential. I met with the boys in Week 1 to reinforce this message. The academic rigour will be there, there will be scrutiny on this group as the last cohort to receive an OP and that they are as good as any cohort which has gone before them. Every boy in Year 12 receives an academic mentor; for those students who are on a non-OP pathway they will meet with a member of the Careers Department. OP eligible students will meet with a senior member of staff and at this first meeting will receive their OP estimate. This estimate is produced based on our data of previous cohorts’ results on the QCS test and the boys’ subject results. The majority of boys I met with left the interview extremely (and happily) surprised by their estimate. They tended to underestimate

their ability and how this might translate into final outcomes. As I explained to all the boys, to truly reach their potential they need to believe in themselves, work hard to get the best academic results in their subjects and prepare fully for the QCS tests in September.

In 2014, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) commissioned the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to review the Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance procedures in Queensland. Jump forward to 2019 and we are finally here, implementing the New QCE for the current Year 11 cohort which will culminate in an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) at the end of 2020. In the intervening years, every syllabus has been rewritten by the QCAA, our staff have undergone extensive training and are fully prepared for the delivery of the new programs. The teachers are invigorated and excited to be finally teaching the programs they have put so much work into. The boys have started their Senior studies with diligence and enthusiasm and I look forward to this positive energy continuing throughout the

year. Please note that applications for subject changes have closed to Year 11 students until mid-May. Under the new QCE, they must complete Unit 1 to gain credit to their QCE so further subject changes are not possible this term. It is therefore essential, once assessments start, that any boy who is having difficulty with a particular subject and is likely to want to change his subject in May, does his utmost to ensure a pass in that subject as we will record his satisfactory (or otherwise) completion of Unit 1 with the QCAA.

Assessment Periods

Parents may have noticed a new type of entry in the school calendar; “Assessment Periods”. Assessment Periods are anticipated periods of intense assessment and boys can expect that during this time they will encounter a number of longer examinations. Classes will not stop during these periods, but boys may be withdrawn from a class to sit a central exam. The concept of an “Exam Block” with stand down periods will continue for Year 12 students who are still studying under the Old QCE in Terms 2, 3 and 4. However

There is always a feeling of “this is it” when boys enter Year 12 and realise that everything now counts.

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this shift to an assessment period reflects the greater responsibility we are putting on students to continually keep up with their studies instead of leaving their studies to the end when they might have relied on having a period of study at home.

Please note that assessment is not restricted to the identified assessment periods. Lessons will continue up to and including the last teaching day of each term and may include exams. If boys take early leave, they will certainly miss academic time and may miss assessment which cannot be rescheduled early to accommodate their early departure.

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

With the commencement of the new QCE, we have entered a new era of accountability to the QCAA. While we have always maintained the highest professional standards, we now are required to report far more to the QCAA in terms of our processes. Previously students with special needs or who were ill were processed under the term “Special Provision”, in which I had the authority to grant extensions, extra time or a new date for an exam. Under the New QCE, the name has changed to Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments and only the QCAA has the authority to allow extra time or new exam dates. While I don’t anticipate that this should be a cause of concern for students, as the QCAA is very reasonable, we will have less flexibility than previously. Of course, with

an appropriate medical certificate, or in the case of bereavement we are able to negotiate changes with the QCAA.

Please note that exams cannot be rescheduled for parents who are wanting to take their students out of class for extra-curricular commitments or early leave.

Any Year 11 student with a long standing physical, cognitive, social-emotional or sensory condition must ensure that their paperwork certifying the condition is current, dated no later than 2018. Any medical certificate for either a short- or long-term condition must be specific and include a diagnosis and not contain the generic medical phrase “unfit for school”. Please communicate any illness or condition that will impact on assessment with me as soon as possible

Elevate Education Parent Seminar 6 March

Elevate Education provide engaging study skills seminars to the students with the current Year 11 cohort starting their program back in 2018. This program will follow through their senior studies with 2 seminars each year and follow up activities to reinforce the study skills they have learnt. The first student seminar for the Year 11 students will be on 20 February while the Year 10 students will start the program in Semester 2. Elevate Education has been working with schools in NSW and Victoria for many years, helping students prepare for the intensive external exams of the HSC and VCE. Elevate Education will present a

seminar to parents of students in Years 10-12 on Wednesday 6 March at 6:00pm in the Jacaranda Room. This seminar is designed to provide strategies to parents to support their son during their studies and exam preparation.

Class Formation

I have fielded numerous queries about how the core classes are generated and streaming within the year groups. Academic streaming is always done for the educational benefit of the students. Year 7 classes are not streamed as we do not have enough information about the boys when they first enrol. However, Year 7 students undergo a number of diagnostic tests in the first few weeks of term. This information is used to identify any students with specific learning needs and to provide teachers with academic insight to their students. Core classes are shuffled from Year 7 to Year 8 to enable the boys to mix with different students, although they are not streamed. Core classes are generated in Years 9-11 after consideration of student results in English, Maths and Science. The Heads of these respective departments analyse the students’ results to make recommendations about the best distribution of students. Mrs Cathy Keeton, Head of Diverse Learners, then goes through the lists to identify any particular students who might need consideration due to any other concerns. The change of classes and getting new teachers can cause some anxiety at the start of a new year, but please reassure your sons that their placement in a new class is in their

Director of Studies

As I explained to all the boys, to truly reach their

potential they need to believe in themselves and

work hard.

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best academic interests. Resilience is always needed at the start of the new year. We know some boys do not like change, but coping with change is an essential part of developing resilience. Within a few weeks, any anxieties should be well in their past as the boys settle into the new class and make new connections within the year group.

Academic Leaders

I congratulate the 2019 Senior Academic Leaders. This group of boys consistently demonstrate a positive attitude to academic pursuits and show resilience in the face of difficult academic studies. They stand out as role models to their peers and the younger boys. One of the most important roles they have is to provide academic tutoring in the library which is available to all students, whether it is a one-off homework problem or a difficult subject the boy is wanting to master. Younger boys in each house should identify their prefects and academic leaders who will be always available to lend a helping hand. However, their greatest role may be less visible; supporting their cohort through the continued encouragement of their academic endeavour.

NAPLAN – National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy

The NAPLAN tests will be held on Week 4 of Term 2. I ask parents to be aware of these dates and avoid making any appointments during

the day for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Speech Day Awards – End of Year Update

Our Speech Day awards have been calculated in two phases. The first group of award recipients, which represents the vast majority of the award winners, received their awards on Speech Day based on their academic achievements at that point in time. To encourage all boys to work hard through to the end of the year, we then re-calculated the Speech Day awards based on the entire year’s work and, as a result of this process, there are several students who are now eligible for a 2018 Speech Day Award. My congratulations are extended to the following boys on their fine achievements; their awards were be presented at the Scholars’ Assembly on Thursday February 14.

Congratulations to the following students who received Special Commendations at the end of 2018:

Special Commendations – Academic Effort

Alison YoungDirector of Studies

Year 7 2018

• Max Durkin - Maxima Cum Laude• Byron Farrington - Merit• Samuel Christensen - Merit• Callum Francis - Merit

Year 8 2018

• Charles Armytage - Merit• Jack Dann - Merit • Harrison Mills - Maxima Cum Laude

Year 9 2018

• Lachlan Shultz - Merit• Luke Thornton - Merit

Year 10 2018

• Louis Denman - Merit• Arthur Hill - Merit

Year 7

• Augustus Bierhoff - Science- Examination Graph Work

• Tom Charles - French – Achieving 100% in Year 7 French

• Riyan Khan - Japanese – Achieving 100% in Year 7 Japanese

• William Smith - French – Achieving 100% in Year 7 French

Year 8

• Ned Beasley - Japanese – Achieving 100% in Year 8 Japanese

• Robbie Crooke - Japanese – Achieving 100% in Year 8 Japanese

Year 9 • John Anderson - Japanese – Japanese Speaking Exam

Year 11

• Elijah McRae - Mathematics – Improvement in Effort and Results

• Frank Mills - French – French Speaking Exam

I congratulate the 2019 Senior Academic Leaders.

This group of boys consistently demonstrate

a positive attitude to academic pursuits and show resilience in the

face of difficult academic studies.

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Respect, Resilience and Responsibility are a key focus areas in the Senior School for 2019. These values are none more evident than in the realm of Sport and Activities and the vibrancy on display each and every day. In promoting this ethos within the School, we can look towards the student body who can be considered the stewards of the underlying principles that drive this message. Respect within the co-curricular activity begins with our students having respect for themselves, the staff, the opposition and for the crest they wear on their uniform. Resilience is their ability to bounce back from defeat, an omission from an auditioned ensemble or not achieving a leadership position within the Cadet Unit. Responsibility focuses on the student taking ownership of his journey and leading the charge in being an example for others to follow. These core values continue to be promoted across all facets of the School and I am confident that our students will further develop the attributes necessary for success. As we settle into the routine of the new

school year, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of both staff and students in representing the School over the holiday period. In particular, the sport of Cricket saw the players exposed to a multitude of opportunities that served to not only develop them as cricket players, but to develop them as young men of character. The New Zealand Cricket Tour in December of last year and an interstate tour to Sydney were significant events with the players representing the School with distinction, winning the majority of their tour matches. In January, the annual Neil Dansie Festival saw another opportunity for the squad to hone their skills prior to the GPS season. The team was unfortunate to lose in the final to a formidable opponent in the form of St Peter’s College, Adelaide in the Neil Dansie Festival held at Knox Grammar, Sydney. The more recent Cricket Development Camps held just prior to the commencement of the school year were a great success and we continue to forge strong relationships with key community groups as we facilitate these events. My sincere thanks

to Mr Ben Schuhmacher, Director of Cricket, in his organisation of these events as well as the numerous staff and coaches who were involved.

Three Volleyball teams also travelled to Melbourne to compete in the southern hemisphere’s largest school-based sporting event, the Australian Schools Volleyball Cup. Led by Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith, the three teams competed with vigour and pride as they came up against some of the strongest school Volleyball programs in the country. We look forward to our continued involvement in this competition as it transfers its base to the Gold Coast in December of this year.

Our Cadet Unit continues to develop our future leaders with nine cadets involved in leadership courses over the holiday break, all of whom were successful in their promotion. Particular mention must go to the recently appointed Cadet Under Officer (CUO) Tom Wallis for achieving a meritorious second

Established 1875



The adoption of student-centred value system based on the three ‘R’s,

The 2019 1st XI were too strong for 1999 1st XI in the annual 20 year Cricket Reunion Match. Click here for highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub_48jq-Gjw

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place in one of the major awards; Student of Merit - 6RAR Battle of Long Tan Sword of Honour. The Toowoomba Grammar School Australia Army Cadet Unit (TGSAC) with its rich history, will no doubt continue to develop such leaders both with formal recognition such as the aforementioned awards and leadership promotions but also the informal leadership skills that are inherently forged in such an environment.

The commencement of this term has been one of a hectic nature with the induction of new students, both Year 7 and other years, into all that is ‘Grammar’. The sport seasons began in earnest with our Cricket program hosting St Joseph’s, Gregory Terrace in a day of significant achievements for some teams and a day that some teams may want to forget. Of note was an incredible 161 runs by Chace Oats for the 8A team and in the 9B Charlie Ploetz followed in his stead with a commendable 106.

Our Volleyball program began their 2019 journey with their first round against St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace in what would be tightly contested affairs across all grades. The program, under the stewardship of Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith and his dedicated staff may not have seen the results they would have liked, but there is no doubting the effort of the young athletes involved in the sport. The battles on the court were fought in honour of TGS student, Nicholas Barker, a keen Volleyball player whose recent passing shocked the School and Volleyball community. His love of the game and the crest he wore each Saturday was passed along in a heartfelt message from his parents prior to the commencement

of his team, the 8Cs and the 1st VI match. From our Performing Arts Department, Director of Performance, Mrs Natalie Otto continues to push the program into the realms of excellence with the enhancement of the Music Tuition program, ensemble auditions and rehearsals, as well as providing a level of pastoral care for the students that is beyond reproach. 2019 will be an exciting year as the School Production takes shape under the guidance of Mrs Otto and Producer Dr Young and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with the wider Toowoomba community in this endeavour.

A key strategic direction for the Sport and Activities department in 2019 is the strengthening of key relationships both internal and external. The Sports Darling Downs Awards evening held on Saturday, 10 February was one such example of how we as a School continue to forge bonds with external stakeholders fo r the benefit of our students. The evening was one of promotion and acknowledgement as young athletes across the Darling Downs had their sporting success highlighted to the community. It was fantastic for a number of Toowoomba Grammar School students to be acknowledged with nominations across key areas in both state and national sport arenas. Our Under 15 Football squad were victorious in being announced joint winners of the 2018 Team of Year for their efforts in the nationally accredited Bill Turner Cup. Henry Reardon (Year 11) won the Junior Para-Athlete of the year for his incredible feats in the pool and a number of TGS Old Boys including Matthew Denny and Cameron Shields were acknowledged for their excellence in Athletics and Motor Racing respectively.

As with the start of any new year, the setting of goals is ever present and the department of Sport and Activities is no exception. New initiatives include the implementation of a new communication platform that serves as a ‘port of call’ for the TGS community to see the latest news, events, team lists, ensemble rehearsals and the like. The promotion of all areas within our dynamic department is at the forefront of my philosophy and I am confident that continued development of the Sport and Activities portal will serve as a crucial element in raising the profile of not only the highly visible sport arenas, but those of Performing Arts, Debating, Cadets and the array of other Clubs and Activities on offer. I would encourage the community to visit the aforementioned site to further engage with information and news of the wide array of co-curricular areas that you might not otherwise be privy to. We will continue to develop this platform and I appreciate any feedback from our TGS community with regard to the communication of Sport and Activities.

I look forward to seeing the boys involved in our co-curricular programs as we progress through the year as well as seeing parents and friends supporting the School and your sons in their journey. Wes DunneDirector of Sports & Activities


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From the Director of Boarding

At the beginning of each year in boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School we welcome a large number of new boys to our community. This year we have 57 new boarders joining our returning boys across the six Boarding Houses. A great deal of planning and hard work goes into helping the new boys settle in and to gradually master the many routines associated with life as a boarder. All of our Year 5 – 7 boarders in Corfe House benefited from a formal program of transition activities during their first week at the School. These activities took place in the evenings and were designed to be both engaging and interactive for the boys. A summary of the transition activities is listed below. The feedback from the boarding staff in Corfe House was that this transition program was very beneficial and has helped set the boys up for a great first year in boarding.

• Ice breakers and get-to-know-you activities

• Managing homesickness and how to make friends – presented by our School Counsellor

• How to use Prep time effectively – basic study skills and time management

• IT troubleshooting to assist boys with using their laptops

• How to keep your room tidy and managing your laundry

• How to use the online ‘Reach’ leave system

We also welcome some new staff members in boarding this year. Mr John Hill is the new Boarding Housemaster in Stephens House and he will also be teaching Mathematics in the Senior School. Welcome to Mr Hill and his family. Another new appointment in Stephens House is the Assistant Boarding Housemaster, Mr Peter Woods. Mr Woods is known to many of our boys because he has been a regular supply teacher over recent years. In addition, we have an Old Boy Alex Fessey commencing as a Resident Master in Mackintosh House and Bradley Grayson as a new Resident Master in Boyce House. Welcome to all of our new boarding staff.

A full program of tutoring is available to support the boarders with their school work. This tutoring is provided during the evening Prep sessions and we have a fantastic line up of tutors to assist the boys this year. Almost all of the tutors are teachers in our Senior School who know the curriculum the boys are studying and they are available to assist individual boys or work with boys in groups. This service is a tremendous opportunity for the boys to get help when they need it and to seek improvement academically. Please encourage your son to make use of the boarders’ tutoring service.

Dear Boarding Parents, It has been great to welcome your sons back into the Boarding Houses recently.

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One of the challenges when looking after teenagers in a boarding setting is managing their use of technology. The School has introduced a pro-active initiative to monitor the boys’ technology use, encourage more social interaction and ultimately help boys to develop positive habits with their use of technology. In summary, boys in Years 5 – 10 who are having some free time for recreation on their device are required to sit in the common room of their Boarding House. This is both so that staff can monitor what the boys are doing and also so the boys can be together with their peers and socialise during some recreation time (rather than isolating themselves). Early signs are positive that this new initiative is having the desired effect. The common rooms are busier and noisier than ever with boys enjoying some time to relax in the company of others. Many have also made the positive decision to put their device away and head outside instead. Ultimately, this change will help the boys to enjoy their boarding experience more and to develop positive technology habits as they grow up.

I hope you are happy with the way your son has started the year at Toowoomba Grammar School and I look forward to catching up with many of you through the term.

Best wishes,

Jim NobleDirector of Boarding


The School has introduced a pro-active initiative to monitor the

boys’ technology use, encourage more social

interaction and ultimately help boys to develop

positive habits with their use of technology.

Click Boarders’ Tutoring Planner to enlarge >>

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Music lessons and Ensemble rehearsals are well underway, and it is a delight to hear the glorious sounds of our Music students rehearsing and practising all day long. We have welcomed Ms Wendy Evans as Teacher-in-Charge of Music Curriculum to our Performing Arts team. Ms Evans has an extensive vocal and choral background, as well as many years’ experience as a Head of Department and Senior Music teacher. We are delighted that Ms Evans is now at Toowoomba Grammar School to share her passion for Music Education with the boys and staff. The Baynes Centre is now sporting a fresh new look thanks to the renovations that took place in the holidays. Thank you very much to all TGS staff involved in the renovations. The professional finishes in the building have received many compliments from the boys, and everyone in the Department is thoroughly enjoying working in this newly revamped space.

How does my son become involved in the music department at TGS?

Many parents and students ask about involvement in the TGS Music Program. Parents can formally request Music Tuition with one of Music Tutors for private music lessons, or if your son plays an instrument

he can join one of the Instrumental Ensembles. The Music Program has Core and Enrichment Ensembles that are designed to provide an opportunity for musicians of any level to become involved in the program. Further information and enrolment links are located here:

• Music Tuition Enrolment Form• Co-curricular Ensemble Information• Co-curricular Arts Program Enrolment Form

An easy way of becoming involved in the TGS Music Program is to sing in one of the TGS choirs. The TGS Choral Program has an excellent reputation, and the program has grown this year with the permanent addition of a Year 7 to 9 Choir for unchanged voices. This choir rehearses on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 am and during lunch on Fridays. The Senior Choir, for changed voices in any year level, rehearses at the same rehearsal times as the Year 7 to 9 Choir. There will be a streamlined approach between these two choirs to provide an opportunity for boys at all stages in their vocal development to participate in the Choral Program. In addition, these choirs will be joined together for various concerts to provide an opportunity for the boys to sing in a large massed choir. There are no prerequisites required to join these

Welcome back to another busy and exciting year in the Performing Arts Department.

Big Band rehearsing in the refurbished Baynes Centre

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17GR8Y-vZvPQIYd910PBzLC0kQUtzvmWrbxn8baQ-YG0/viewform?edit_requested=true

https://saa.twgs.qld.edu.au/index.php/performing-arts/

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0seFEw1I3mFBqI6_B_9akCRcWwS8Qy4VKnDQlahNan5BXgg/viewform

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TGS boasts one of the finest teams of Music Tutors in Toowoomba, and I

thank the tutors for their commitment to the School and for their outstanding

encouragement of your sons.

choirs as music staff firmly believe that all boys can be taught how to enjoy singing and performing. After a year of singing in one of the choirs the boys will be given an opportunity to audition for the elite TGS vocal group, the Grammarphones.

Music Tuition

Parents of boys who have enrolled in the Music Tuition program would now be aware that an online Music Timetable system is in operation through the TGS Sports and Activities Portal - Music Tuition Timetables. Parents and students have been given a password to access each individual tutor’s timetable. Parents and students are encouraged to regularly check the Music Tuition timetables as many changes can occur at the beginning of the year due to the complicated nature of organising a large P to 12 Music Tuition program. Please click here to view the 2019 Music Tutor team. TGS boasts one of the finest teams of Music Tutors in Toowoomba, and I thank the tutors for their commitment to the School and for their outstanding encouragement of your sons.


2019 Concert CalendarTIME EVENT DATE LOCATION

7:00pm Welcome Concert Friday, 15 March Assembly Hall

7:00pm Music Showcase Friday, 7 June Assembly Hall

7:00pm Big Band & RnB Band Extravaganza Saturday, 31 August Armitage Centre

7:00pm Take Note Concert Friday, 25 October Assembly Hall

7:00pm Battle of the Bands Friday, 8 November Assembly Hall

https://saa.twgs.qld.edu.au/index.php/performing-arts/music-tuition/

https://saa.twgs.qld.edu.au/index.php/performing-arts/key-contacts/

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It is a delight to hear the glorious sounds of our

Music students rehearsing and practising.


Student News

Harry Gallagher, Year 9, attended the Cuskelly College of Music’s Sound

Thinking Australia Summer School Program in Brisbane. He was awarded

an Empire Theatre Youth Bursary to be able to attend this course. During

the two-week course Harry studied Musicianship, Music Theatre, Youth

Choir and Jazz Choir. A highlight for Harry was the Music Theatre’s class

production of Romeo and Juliet.

Joshua Brown, Year 10, took part in the McGregor Music Retreat at the

University of Southern Queensland. During the week-long course Joshua

studied with world renowned vocalists, and learnt about healthy vocal

technique and stagecraft. Joshua also spent time in Sydney completing a

course in Radio and TV presenting.

Ruben Fitton, Year 8, was invited to attend the Gondwana National Choir

School at the University of NSW in January. Singers from across Australia

travelled to Sydney to form six choirs. After 8 days of intensive rehearsals,

Ruben performed at the Festival of Summer Voices. To watch Ruben

perform in the Closing Gala please click here.

Congratulations to Oliver Schubert, Year 10, for recently being named as one of

six finalists in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Young Instrumentalist Prize

for 2019. The competition is open to any student in a Queensland Secondary

School who is at a minimum standard of AMEB Grade 8. Oliver is an outstanding

young trumpeter and demonstrates great promise on the instrument, and to be

named as one of six finalists from a field of over 50 young musicians is quite an

extraordinary accomplishment. We wish Oliver all the very best for his performance

in the Finalist’s Recital on Monday, 4 March in Brisbane. For ticketing details please

click here.

https://livestream.com/accounts/5690925/events/8531529/videos/186025238

https://www.qso.com.au/young-instrumentalist-prize-finalists-recital

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Welcome Concert

The TGS Community is warmly invited to attend the Welcome Concert on Friday, 15 March at 7:00pm in the Assembly Hall. The audience will be treated to an evening of entertainment provided by the TGS boys in various Instrumental and Choral ensembles. Parents are very welcome to attend the SOTA (Supporters of the Arts) Function before the concert at 6:00pm.

Kinky Boots

Tickets have been reserved for all members of the TGS Community to attend a performance of Kinky Boots on Sunday, 24 March at 2:00pm. Sean Johnston (Year 12 2018), Hamish Wells (Year 10) and Darcy Meagher (Year

7) have featured roles in this Empire Theatre production. Tickets are being sold through the School to take advantage of the group booking prices. Parents will find payment details in the Parent Lounge. Ticket sales will close on 10 March, and parents will be notified when the tickets are ready for collection from the School closer to the performance date. We look forward to seeing many of the TGS community at the show.

Natalie OttoDirector of Performance

Left to right - Hamish, Darcy, Sean.


Sean Johnston (Yr 12 2018), Hamish Wells (Yr 10)

and Darcy Meagher (Yr 7) have featured roles in the Empire Theatre

production ‘Kinky Boots’

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From the Library

Established 1875


Library hours can be seen to the side of this article. The library is a very busy place during the day with boys coming to study, research, read and finish homework. Many boys like to gather in the library for social catch-ups, but as the library is the only place in the school where quiet study and reading can be performed during break times, we do not encourage social gatherings.

We have a wide range of resources in the library and if we do not have a book your son would like to read, please encourage him to see one of our staff so we can add it to our collection. We now have three eBook and eAudio book platforms, including ePlatform by Wheelers, Overdrive and Bolinda audio. Information about these can be found on the library homepage.

I would also like to remind readers of our vast range of online research databases. With the amount of information available on the internet growing each day, it is important our boys know how to find and use reliable information and data for their research. Much of this information is contained within secure research databases of journals and research papers. I work with classes across all year

levels on many occasions helping with this. Most people learn best at point of need, so if your son requires assistance at any time, please ask them to come and see me. We also have tools to help with referencing and planning assessment tasks.

The Bookmarkers is running again this year, as is the Pageturners. The Bookmarkers, for boys in Years 7-12, meet every Friday lunch time in the library to discuss books and take part in fun bookish activities. The Pageturners is a literary group for Years 10-12, reading the same book and discussing it as a group. If you think your son might enjoy one of these groups, please encourage him to see me. I hope everyone has another enjoyable year. I look forward to working with your sons. Liz Derouet Head of Library and Information Services

As another busy year begins I would like to remind everyone of our wonderful service here at the W.M. Dent Library.

Library

Library Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

Friday 7:30am – 4:00pm

Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm

http://moodle.twgs.qld.edu.au/course/view.php?id=10656

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Cadets

We welcome back all cadets, our recruits and their parents to 2019

Cadets

A number of cadets were very active during the holidays and we wish to congratulate all those who participated. In December both Cadet Sergeants Harry Files and Ben Peacock attended the selection training week for the Chief of Army Challenge Team (CACT) and the National Adventure Training Award. (NATA). Cadet Sergeant Ben Peacock was successful in being selected for the Southern Queensland Brigade Team for the CACT which will be held in July in Victoria. Both cadets were successful in being nominated for the Brigade team for the NATA which will be held in April this year. Cadet Sergeant Harry Rogan attended the Northern Queensland Brigade Cadet Under Officer and Warrant Officer Courses (CUO/WO) in December and had to leave early due to the forecasted weather conditions but was successful. Cadet Sergeant Tom Wallis assisted on the selection training week.

In January a number of our cadets attended senior leadership courses at Canungra Military Training Area. This course was the first conducted with the new National Package and we would like to thank all staff and cadets who assisted and attended. We must congratulate Cadet Sergeant Alannah Munn who won the ‘Student of Merit’ Award. The award is given to the cadet who is the most outstanding cadet throughout the entire course. This award involves receiving the 6RAR Battle of Long Tan Memorial Sword of Honour, which is a prestigious award carrying a long-standing tradition as the sword was presented to the SQLD cadets by the family of a fallen

soldier of 6RAR who fought during the Battle of Long Tan. As a result all cadets were promoted recently.

Our Senior team for this year is Senior Cadet Under Officer Thomas Wallis, Cadet Under Officer Harry Rogan, Cadet Under Officer Alannah Munn and Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two Ben Peacock. Corporals that attended the course were promoted to Cadet Sergeant and include: Lachlan Campbell, Cameron Dean, Jake Hewett, Olivia Lewis and Eloise Radford. Promotions this year were also given to the following cadets who were promoted to Cadet Lance Corporal include: Olivia Campbell, Daniel Da Silva, Harry Fortune, Penny Lamshed, Baxter McDonald, Adam Peacock, Quinn Proctor and Emily Webster. Captain John Wells, the Unit Officer Commander, stated that all the cadets were either starting or continuing their journey of leadership within the Unit and congratulated all of them.

On Friday 1st February we held our Recruit Muster and we welcome all our Recruits and their families. We are still open for recruiting and welcome any students from Toowoomba Grammar School, Fairholme College and The Glennie School. Cadets is a full year co-curricular activity which provides a program which has an impact on an individual which includes: Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Initiative and Enterprise, Planning and Organising, Self Management,

Cadet Warrant Officer Ben Peacock, Headmaster Mr Peter Hauser, Cadet Under Officer Tom Wallis, Cadet Officer Harry Rogan and Captain (ACC) John Wells

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Learning of Life Skills and Leadership. On Sunday 17th February we held a full day of training for our Recruits here at the School.

On the weekend of 2nd and 3rd February three staff members attended the Commanders Conference in Brisbane for updates on the Cadet Program and Policies. Last Sunday on 10th February we conducted our first NCO Training Day here at the school and all cadets with rank attended for a session of training. On Saturday 16th February a small number of our cadets were part of the vigil for the National Servicemen’s Association Commemorative Service conducted at the Mother’s Memorial here in Toowoomba.

Our Drum Corp has started training and positions are available to any cadet or recruit. Tuition is free and you don’t have to have a sense of rhythm as we teach you to play on a snare or bass drum. Lessons are held every Thursday after school here at Toowoomba Grammar School. We must publically thank Mr Jim Cohen for his support with this program.

Our Toowoomba Grammar School Honour Guard has also started rifle drill training for the upcoming ANZAC services. This is a school activity and available to any cadet who is in the second year and above as basic drill is required. For those new families the school has a tradition of supporting the Toowoomba ANZAC services and has done so since 1923. Training is on a Wednesday afternoon from 4.00-5.00 pm.

Ann HallamCadet Officer

Cadets

Cadet Under Officers, Cadet Warrant Officer, Sergeants, Corporals and Cadet Lance Corporals that attended our first Non Commissioned Officer Training Day on Sunday, 10 February, together with Lieutenant (ACC) Fiona Langston and Captain (AAC) John Wells

Headmaster Mr Peter Hauser and Cadet Officer Harry Rogan

Cadet Sergeants and Cadet Lance Corporals after their promotion on Friday, 8 February

For those new families the School has a tradition of

supporting the Toowoomba ANZAC services and has

done so since 1923

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Established 1875


Careers Adviser

From the Careers AdvisersWelcome back to the 2019 school year. We are certainly looking forward to the busy and productive year that is ahead of us all.

In our Carers Department, we have two Careers Advisers. Mrs Jenny Ball will be working with the Year 11 and Year 10 boys this year and will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mrs Stacy Nottle will be working with the Year 12 and Year 10 boys and will be available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The best contact for Mrs Ball is [email protected] and for Mrs Nottle is [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Mrs Marian Rathie, our VET Co-ordinator, is available 8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday. Please contact Mrs Rathie on 07 4687 2597 or [email protected] if you wish to discuss school-based traineeships or apprenticeships, TAFE courses, work experience and for any other urgent careers-related matter.

Careers Website

Visit our TGS Careers website for information on Careers. https://www.twgscareers.com

It includes, • A Career Calendar is available on the website under “Important Info”. Go here to check dates for university open days and due dates for applications.

• Instructions on how to get a Tax File Number is also available under “Important Info” on the website.

Course Seeker is a new website that helps students make informed decisions about their future study by allowing them to access clear and meaningful information on ATARs/OPs, prerequisites and enrolment policies. Information has been sourced from across Australia and presented in a nationally consistent and comparable format to improve the transparency across the higher education sector. https://www.courseseeker.edu.au

mailto:J.Ball%40twgs.qld.edu.au?subject=

mailto:S.Nottle%40twgs.qld.edu.au?subject=

https://www.twgscareers.com

https://www.courseseeker.edu.au

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

Careers Adviser

Study Overseas

The Australian Government has a Study Overseas – Student Information Gateway website with tips, advice and resources to make it all happen. https://www.studyoverseas.gov.au

Overseas Gap Years Applications are currently open for Year 12 boys wishing to undertake an overseas Gap Year. The following agencies can assist with your son’s placement.

Letz Live

A Gap Year tutorship program; applications are currently open and close 8 March. Face to face interviews will occur in April and May with final placements allocated in June and July. Further information and application details available: http://www.letzlive.org

Lattitude Global Volunteering

Post-school volunteer opportunities working in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia/Pacific are available. Applications are currently open and close 8 March. www.lattitude.org.au

Gap Year Help

This is a website that may help students narrow down their options for an overseas Gap Year. https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year

Entry into Medicine and Dentistry Programs 2019 - UCAT

The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences. https://www.ucat.edu.au

The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for Australia and New Zealand Consortium universities. Students are required to sit the test by 31 July 2019 for entry in 2020 to a relevant course or programme. UCAT results cannot be carried over from one year to the next. For example, results from UCAT ANZ 2019 can only be used to apply for courses commencing in 2020. There are no general exemptions from the test.

Mrs Nottle will be assisting any boys interested in Medicine and Dentistry. If you have any questions, please contact her.

Queensland Training Award nominations for 2019 are now open.If you know someone who is an outstanding student, apprentice, trainee, or educator, you can nominate them for the 2019 Queensland Training Awards. Awards are now open and close on 17 March 2019. Go here for more information: https://training.qld.gov.au/qta

Australia National University Observatory Work Experience

The Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the ANU offers a limited number of work experience places to Year 10, 11 and 12 students each year. Successful students will have an opportunity to work on an astronomical project under the supervision of professional astronomers, learn computing skills, attend departmental talks and be provided with information about university courses and potential career paths. Subject to weather conditions and staff availability, they are also usually invited to attend an evening stargazing session using the observatory’s outreach telescopes.

Local, interstate, and international students are invited to apply. However, students outside Canberra must organise and pay for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Applications for 2019 are currently being accepted and are competitively sought. https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/work-experience

Stacy Nottle and Jenny BallCareers Advisers

If you know someone who is an outstanding student, apprentice,

trainee, or educator, you can nominate them for the 2019 Queensland Training

Awards

https://www.studyoverseas.gov.au

http://www.letzlive.org

https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year

https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year

https://www.ucat.edu.au

https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/work-experience

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

School Counsellor

From the School Counsellor

As we return to school for a new year, it is a good time to think about and plan for the new school year. With the excitement of catching up with friends and sharing holiday stories starts to wear off, our minds will naturally shift to the year ahead. With this shift, we might be left with a mix of anxiety, excitement, fear and trepidation. In support of a smooth start to the school year, there are some things students can consider to assist in starting the year positively:

1. Start fresh

Whilst it is important to reflect over and learn from the previous school year, starting a new year provides an opportunity to start fresh. This is not only related to new uniforms or school books, but also to our mindset. Commencing with a positive and optimistic attitude can go a long way in setting the tone for the entire school year. Continue to show respect to all staff, be friendly around the school yard and say hi to any new people you might see.

2. Over prepare and then go with the flow

Organise yourself and your belongings the night before each new school day. Check your timetable, pack your bags and prepare yourself before you go to bed. Not only will this help to avoid not having the correct materials for class, but it will also save you time in the morning and helps in reducing stress levels within the entire household. On the topic of going to bed, going to sleep at an appropriate and regular time is vital for brain functioning throughout the school day.

3. Set a good study routine and get on task early

Decide right away that you will put some effort in early and you will reap the benefits come exam time. If you find you have a hard time focusing studying alone, see if you can find a study partner or study group. Visual reminders are also very useful to help keep you on task, so using your school diary is key. When you get an assessment task, mark it in your school diary and on a study planner at home. There are a range of study planning templates and apps available online for free to make staying on task even easier.

4. Set some goals

Set realistic, time focused and achievable goals for both academic and personal pursuits. This will not only assist to increase your motivation and focus, but also aids in the development of time management skills. Be sure to share your goals with as many people as you can. The more people who know about what you intend to achieve, the more support you have access to and the more accountable you become.

5. Be open to new experiences

Whether this means trying a new sport or activity, introducing yourself to a new class mate or even talking to your parents about your day. Trying new things not only helps in potentially learning a new skill, it also builds confidence and keeps life interesting. Whilst this might take us out of our comfort zone, remember it is ok not to know all the answers or get things right the first time.

Established 1875


As we return to school for a new year, it is a good time to think about and plan for the new school year.

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

We all inevitably have difficulties from time to time, and the new school year can often bring many challenges along with it. At times, these challenges that arise may be overcomplicated by our own thinking. Asking for help not only improves our relationships with others but also provides a fresh perspective in working to overcome any challenges or barriers to success.

In closing, I would like to wish students and families a productive start to the year. Additionally, our thoughts remain with the Barker Family during their difficult time. I would personally like to thank the students, parents and staff of Toowoomba Grammar School for their support and care at such a difficult time for many.

If I can assist or support any student or family at any time, please do not hesitate to make contact with me directly. Best wishes,

Jennifer Johnson-Saul School Counsellor

School Counsellor

I would like to wish students and families a

productive start to the year

From the Headmaster - I am committed to doing everything I can to provide the boys of TGS with a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

Click Poster to enlarge >>

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

I hope your sons have settled in well and are making the most of their time at school. If they are new to boarding, encourage them to become involved in whatever activities are offered. If you have queries or suggestions regarding boarding, you are most welcome to contact the Boarder Parents’ Support Group and we will help you or direct you to the appropriate staff contact.

Boarding contact details and other information relevant to boarders can be found on the School Portal by going to http://www.twgs.qld.edu.au/ click on the “Parent” tab, enter your details and then click on the “Boarding” tab.

Each Boarding House has a BPSG House Representative. Your House Rep’s Role is to act as a spokesperson for the parents of their House at meetings and during discussions that the BPSG has throughout the year with the Senior Staff of TGS, as well as assisting with any concern you may have.Please know that your comments, opinions and suggestions are valued and that if something is concerning you, or you are simply unsure of something, there is always a solution or answer to be found. All of your correspondence and ideas are respected and will be treated confidentially.

We will circulate a Notice of Meeting and encourage you to email any input to your House Representative to be included in the Agenda which will then be sent out to you prior to the next meeting. Everyone is most welcome to attend as the meetings are very relaxed and offer a great chance to meet other

boarding parents and hear directly from Executive staff members of TGS. Our first meeting for 2019 is scheduled for 4th April. 1.30pm – Jacaranda Room.

If you are in town while your son is playing home games of GPS Sport, we would appreciate donations of home bake for the canteen. Alternatively, perhaps volunteer for an hour helping in the canteen. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This year the Art Show Committee has extended an invitation to all boarder parents to attend the ‘Boarder Parents High Tea’ at 2pm on Saturday, 30th March. Tickets are $45.00 each and bookings can be made through Toowoomba Grammar Art Show website or school office: (07) 4687 2500. It is a perfect opportunity for you to catch up with boarder parents you may know and to also meet some new parents. Dads are most welcome.

We look forward to your involvement and support throughout 2019.

Kind regards,

Kym WrightPresident of the Boarder Parents’ Support Group

Boarder Parents’ Support GroupHello Boader Parents, welcome to Boarding at TGS 2019.


Established 1875


Dates for your diary:

30th March – TGS Art Show Boarder Parents High Tea

4th April BPSG Meeting 1.30 – Jacaranda Room

Saturdays – GPS Sporting fixtures. Home bake needed.

Jenny & Alistair McKayYear 7, Corfe House

The Coleborn Family

http://www.twgs.qld.edu.au/

Headmaster


Deputy Headmaster


Director of Studies




Library

Cadets

Careers Adviser

School Counsellor


School Notices

School Notices

Established 1875


A GPS School for boys Prep - Year 12Boarders from Year 5

PO Box 2900, Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA

Telephone: (07) 4687 2500 Facsimile: (07) 4687 2666Email: [email protected]

ABN 86 510 299 250 - CRICOS Reg No. 00525D

School Notices

Welcome back to school for 2019.

We are available during school hours for first aid and mental health assistance for all students. We are a 24-hour facility for our boarders.

Please let the nurses know if your son has any medical condition that may impact him while at school. This includes recent fractures and severe illness.

Please do not send your dayboy to school if unwell with illness. We have students attending school that are immunocompromised due to their own medical conditions and we would like to reduce exposure to virus, such as flu and colds, to these students

If you are aware of anyone in your family/ friends circle that has been exposed to infections such as chicken pox, confirmed influenza, please inform the Health Centre as soon as possible.

Year 7 Vaccination: March 21

Please ensure your forms are returned to the Health Centre before 28 February. This is regardless if you choose yes or no for receiving the vaccination.

2019 Health history update

It is advised that all students have their school Health History information updated every 2 years If you have not completed this in the last 2 years, please complete it.

This is an online form found in the Parent Portal, in the section titled ‘Sign-up and online forms’. The form is titled ‘2019 Update of Health History’.

We hope you have a healthy 2019.

From the TGS Health CentreNurses Sharon, Meg, Gemma and Rebecca

Health Centre

Click Posters to enlarge >>

We’re excited to announce Toowoomba Grammar School is one of the first schools in Queensland to have a virtual reality tour.

There are fly through’s, 360’s and great images that take our beautiful campus to the world, all with the click of a button.

You can view it here.

https://twgs.youtour.com.au/

https://twgs.youtour.com.au/

established 1875 headmaster’s newsletter...2019/02/19 · of engineering, design and psychology...

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