Edition 19 16 November 2017

L - R Eric Zhang, Austin Brooker and Harry Constable from Prep M, dressed as North

Pole Elves enjoying their North Pole Rock and Roll Dance at the recent Twilight Concert.

From the Head of Junior School Dear Parents

Our annual Twilight Concert held last Friday night was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the school year. The relaxed atmosphere and the outdoor venue provided parents with the chance to talk to each other while enjoying something to eat and drink. While the rain appeared towards the end of the concert, I am pleased we were able to persevere allowing all performances to go ahead. The evening was a wonderful celebration of boys’ education and community. I thank the boys and the teachers for their creativity and I hope you enjoyed the evening.

L – R Charlie Randall, Chace Oates,

Sam Freer and Ryan Grimes, all from 6V, re-enacting Thriller and Footloose.

2M grooved the stage away with their performance.

Reports End of Year Reports went home with the boys today. I am pleased that the vast majority of boys have had a very good year academically, within the co-curricular program and behaviourally. I thank the teachers for preparing these documents for your benefit. Speech Day Awards Speech Day awards were announced in class today and are also mentioned in the boys’ reports. Teachers give considerable time and thought to these awards. I ask that all parents accept the professional and considered judgement of the teaching staff and understand that these decisions are often quite difficult to make. If a student ‘misses out’ on an award it is due to the fact that another boy (or boys) performed better. This does not diminish any single student, but is simply the way life works. It is disappointing when awards are questioned and I encourage all parents and boys to accept the ‘umpire’s decision’ with grace and dignity. Staffing Last week Mr Pat Wysel (Year 4 teacher / IT Co-ordinator) submitted his resignation. Mr Wysel has accepted a job at TACAPS as a Year 5 teacher and eLearning coach. I thank Mr Wysel for his work at our school over the past seven years as a class teacher, Housemaster and in his IT role. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Shelley Clews has been appointed to teach Year 4 next year. Mrs Clews was educated at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Southern Queensland. Mrs Clews is an experienced teacher, having taught in a number of schools in Queensland and New South Wales during her career. She is also a former Acting Principal. Mrs Clews is well known to the boys at our School, having taught long-term contracts on Years 1, 4 and 6 with us over the past eighteen months.

Junior School Supporters’ Group The Junior School Supporters’ Group hosted a range of social events during the year and raised funds for the benefit of the boys. I would like to commend the fine work of the Junior School Supporters’ Group in 2017. Mrs Rhonda Wilkie, President of the Group, spent significant time working for the benefit of the Junior School. I thank Rhonda for her endeavours on behalf of the students and for her support of the Junior School. Mrs Melissa Buckley was the Vice President, Mrs Robyn Dunn was the Treasurer and Mrs Lyn Paton undertook the role of Secretary. All three ladies were active in their support of and organisation with many of the Supporters’ Group functions and I appreciate their many and varied contributions. I also thank the many other parents who assisted with various functions and events. The Supporters’ Group’s AGM was held last week and the following positions were filled for next year: President Mrs Bliss Bierhoff Vice President Mrs Melissa Buckley Treasurer Mrs Kim Brown Secretary Mrs Lyn Paton Committee member Dr Sian Ford I congratulate these parents and look forward to their contributions next year. Speech Day Parents are reminded that Speech Day will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall on Wednesday 22 November, commencing at 9.00am. School holidays for the boys will officially commence following the Speech Day ceremony which will conclude at approximately 10.20am. Please note, all boys from Prep to Year 6 are expected to attend Speech Day. Boys will still need to arrive at school prior to 8.20am in Blazer Uniform and spend a short amount of time in class before teachers take the boys to the Senior School Assembly Hall. Prize winners and musicians will need to arrive at school by 8.00am, proceeding straight to the Senior School Assembly Hall.

Conclusion As this is the final Junior School newsletter for the year, I would like to acknowledge the Junior School staff for their outstanding work in 2017, ensuring we have had a wonderfully successful school year. Finally and as always, I would like to acknowledge the efforts, achievements and enthusiasm of all the boys and congratulate them on a fine year. I wish all families an enjoyable, safe and relaxing holiday period, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Kind regards Scott Campbell Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School

Year 6 Dinner On Friday of this week, the Year 6 Dinner will be held in Junior School Hall and Pavilion at 6.00pm. Toowoomba Grammar School staff, the Year 6 boys and their parents will gather in the Junior School Hall for the formal part of the evening. This will then be followed by dinner in the Pavilion. This is an annual event celebrating the boys’ passage from the Junior School to the Senior School. Each of the boys will be presented with a memento to mark this significant occasion. We’re for the gorilla. Are you? Recycle your old mobile phone to help gorillas in the wild. Please drop off your old mobile phone at the front office. All the money raised from recycling your old phone supports vital gorilla conservation projects in Africa through the Jane Goodall institute. For further information please refer to: Taronga.org.au/callingonyou Lost Property There are many items in the Lost Property box. It is important that these items are collected before the end of the school year. The location of the Lost Property box is near the side entrance to the Junior School staff room.

I wish all parents and boys a happy holiday and prosperous New Year.

Mike Sharpe Deputy Head of Junior School

From the Head of Teaching and Learning

Keep Reading Over the Summer Holidays! Tim Tam Assembly reminds us that reading is an integral part of our holiday program. Once the Tim Tams have been eaten, how do you motivate your son to keep reading daily during the summer break?

Ensure you son has borrowed some books from the school library.

Set aside a time every day when the whole family reads.

Read aloud and enjoy the story together. Talking about the book helps to develop

vocabulary, reading comprehension and enjoyment of reading.

Take books everywhere you go – on road trips, to the doctor’s or dentist’s office or

when visiting family or friends.

Buy books as Christmas presents or give a book voucher so your son can choose

his own books.

Visit the Council Library regularly.

Read recipes and instructions – both in books and online.

Plan trips and special activities using tourist brochures and websites.

Exercising reading muscles every day helps to strengthen and maintain the literacy skills your son has been learning and practising all year. I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and look forward to seeing well-exercised reading muscles next year.

Jan Heffernan Head of Teaching and Learning

Music News Ensemble Rehearsals All ensembles will rehearse until the end of Week 7. Please see below for additional and changed rehearsal times. Tribe There will be no Tribe rehearsal on Monday 20 November, however, Tribe will rehearse in the Music Room (J11) from 7.30am on Wednesday 22 November. As this is our last rehearsal prior to our Speech Day performance it is most important that all Tribe member arrive on time. Percussion Ensemble There will be no Percussion Ensemble next Tuesday 21 November. Concert Band Concert Band will rehearse next Tuesday morning (7.25-8.15am). Could all boys please meet in the Music Room at 7.25am and Concert Band will then move together up to the Senior School Assembly Hall to set up for their Speech Day performance the following day. Please note the earlier arrival time for this rehearsal. Instrumental Tuition and instrument hire 2018 If you would like your son to continue, or commence instrumental lessons in 2018, please complete the “Request for Tuition” form online by using the following link https://goo.gl/forms/I2nxHhYRSULPX3T63 If you would like to hire a school instrument

for 2018 you will also need to complete an online form to ensure your son is allocated an instrument for his lessons. Please contact Mrs Jenny Bazley by phoning 4687 2542 or emailing J.Bazley@twgs.qld.edu.au should you have questions regarding instrumental tuition for 2018. Hired Instruments All boys who still have possession of their hired school instrument should hand it back after their last ensemble rehearsal or last instrumental lesson (by Friday of Week 7). The only exception is for those boys in Concert Band who require their instrument to perform at Speech Day. These boys should return their instrument to the Junior School Music Room immediately following the Speech Day Assembly (Wednesday 22 November). Thank you Thank you to all parents for their continued support of the music program this year. We have thoroughly enjoyed watching the boys’ musical growth and development. We wish the Year 6 boys all the very best for next year and look forward to welcoming all remaining boys back in 2018.

Kellie Dixon and Jayne Davidson Music Teachers

Sports News

Best and Fairest Awards 2017 The following boys were awarded Best and Fairest trophies at last week’s assembly and are congratulated for their efforts.

Chess Noah Taylor Touch Matthew Moore Volleyball Jeremy Zuyderwyk

Cricket Camp The Toowoomba Grammar School Cricket Camp is being held at School from Friday 8 January – Sunday 10 January. If your son would like to be involved please contact the Sports and Activities Office on 4687 2529. This is a fantastic opportunity for boys to develop their skills and improve their game. Swimming Last week boys born in 2006 – 2009 in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 had swimming trials. These trials are used to organise the Junior School Swimming Carnival which is on Friday 2 February 2018. More information about swimming will come home early in Term 1. Conclusion Finally I would like to thank all the boys and their families for a wonderful year. Thank you to everyone who embraced the GPS seasons and for committing to the training and travel. Your enthusiasm and commitment to sport at the Junior School has seen results that have raised the bar for future years. I wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to starting a new year with fresh challenges. David Anderson Sportsmaster

Junior School Sports Results: Term 4, Week 5

Inter-school Touch (Friday 3 November) Inter-school Volleyball (Friday 3 November)

Senior A V Highfields Score: 9 - 2 (win) Players of the day: Angus Cameron & Judd Rei Pat Wysel (coach)

Senior A V Wilsonton Score: 66 - 48 (win) Player of the day: Ethan Hall Mary-Lou Fraser (coach)

Senior B V Highfields Score: 9 – 4 (win) Players of the day: Yoseph Bou-Samra and Charlie Randall Tiff Holzheimer (coach)

Senior B V Toowoomba East 2 Score: 42 - 23 (win) Player of the day: Thomas Whitcombe Karin Wharton (coach)

Senior B2 V Newtown Score: 5 - 5 (draw) Player of the day: Sam Gladwin David Anderson (coach)

Junior V Toowoomba East 2 Score: 29 - 21 (win) Player of the day: Karan Mohan Michelle Worthington (coach)

Junior A V TCC 1 Score: 9 - 6 (loss) Player of the day: Alex Chicalas Jamie Lee (coach)

Junior B2 V Newtown Score: 1 - 12 (loss) Player of the day: Hamish Seng Maddi Payne (coach) Junior B V Highfields Score: 13 - 1 (win) Players of the day: Oscar Burey George Brown (coach)

Junior School Sports Results:Term 4, Week 6

Inter-school Touch (Friday 10 November) Inter-school Volleyball (Friday 10 November)

Senior A V COC Score: 13 - 0 (win) Players of the day: Judd Rei & Cole Tweedy Patrick Wysel (coach)

Senior A V Wilsonton Score: 63 - 46 (win) Player of the day: Sam Freer Mary-Lou Fraser (coach)

Senior B V Toowoomba East 1 Score: 10 – 1 (win) Players of the day: Jaydahn Hearn and Cooper Harm Tiffany Holzheimer (coach)

Senior B V Toowoomba East 2 Score: cancelled due to rain Karin Wharton (coach)

Senior B2 V Concordia 2 Score: 3 – 2 (loss) Player of the day: Tom Charles David Anderson (coach)

Junior V Toowoomba East 2 Score: 32 – 32 (draw) Player of the day: Isaac Constable Michelle Worthington (coach)

Junior A V Concordia Score: 20 – 0 (win) Player of the day: Baxter Tzannes Jamie Lee (coach)

Junior B V COC Score: 15 - 2 (win) Players of the day: Zai McGhie George Brown (coach)

Junior B2 V Newtown/Darling Heights Score: 2 – 1 (loss) Player of the day: Joel Ewing David Anderson (coach)

Inter-school Cricket (Friday 3 November and Friday 11 November) Two week game

Junior A V Rangeville Snr Score: 2/158 – 5/114 (loss) Players of the test: Hugh Pollock Rob Jeffries (coach)

TGS Gold V St Mary’s Jnr Score: 6/203 – 8/62 (win) Player of the test: Chace Oates Ben Valentine (coach)

Year 6 TGS boys have Fair at Junior School

On the day of Halloween, 31 October, the Junior School boys had their annual Year 6 Fair at Toowoomba Grammar School. There were 13 stalls, with the boys advertising theirs, by putting up many posters around the Junior School. Their customers were the Prep to Year 5 boys. It was a successful day with the school earning $2647 for the Year 6 gift to the school. The purpose of the fair was to raise funds for the Year 6 gift to the school. The boys all put in $20 dollars for their group budget, to spend on all of their prizes and accessories. The middle aged kids got to school early raring to go. The set up for the early morning, and when 9:25am came, they were ready. The first wave of customers came and had a great time, eating too many lollies and chocolates, shooting nerf guns and throwing ping pong balls at cups. The Fair lasted for four hours, with two small breaks. The Fair featured some out of the ordinary stalls, such as sphero fun, knock down the ducks and a treasure hunt. There were also boys running around selling raffle tickets, for some great prizes such as the green machine (three wheeled bike), gift vouchers and sporting balls. The raffle was drawn on Wednesday morning. Overall, it was a fun day for teachers and the boys. With Charlie Barnes commenting “it was a great experience as the lollies were awesome this year. I also think that the stalls were unique and fun, but my personal favourite stall was water pong.” It was great day for the boys who all contributed small amounts of the $2700 dollars for the Year 6 gift to the school.

Matt Moore (6J)

It’s That Time of Year Again

On the 31of October, the highly anticipated Year 6 Fair kicked off at 9:25am and wow, did it live up to its expectations. It had to fill big boots as we found out when we asked Miss Holzheimer about the Fair last year, “It was great fun for all and was successful for fundraising”. You might still be wondering what the Year 6 Fair is all about. The Fair is a fundraiser organised by the Year 6 boys. They get a budget of about $100. With this money they can create their own stalls in hope of making the most money on the day. On the day there was a diverse range of stalls. From a food stall to a nerf war stall, there was something to satisfy every desire a child might have. But condisering the “Bomb the 6’s stall” it proved tradition lives on. While everyone had a great time, it was not all fun and games leading up to the event as we found out, “It was so stressful it was killing me!” said Max Payne Bailey an organiser of the event, who contructed a coffin as a prop for his stall. Luckily everyone worked together as a team on the day. In the end, an epic $2700 was raised. It will be put towards the new “Makerspace”. All Year 6 boys were delighted with this decision. All in all, everyone had a wonderful time and really enjoyed themselves. A special mention to all parents for supporting our special day. Congratulations to all Year 6 boys for a successful 2017 Year 6 Fair. Sam Gladwin (6H)

The Huge Fete

Toowoomba Grammar Junior School’s annual Fair was held recently with great success. The Year 6 pupils followed the long standing tradition of fundraising for their gift to the school. This year introduced a new wave of creativity that swept away the Prep to Year 5 boys with the stunning stores such as Space Blaster Master and Sphero Fun. These unique ideas filled the younger students with adrenaline, making them eager to spend their parent’s money. The Year 6 boys’ late nights and long days paid off with the Head of the Junior School, Mr Campbell, blown away as he tried out the interesting ideas. The day raised over $2700 adding on to the money previously raised. In addition to the success of the fundraising the Year 6 boys walked away with smiles on their faces having heard the little boys saying it was the best Fair ever. Mr Valentine, the Fair Coordinator said, “I thought it was an awesome day. Every time I went around I saw groups busy. The money we raised was phenomenal.” All in all the day was great for the Year 6 boys learning how to run a business. As a gift back to the boys, the teachers had planned and cooked a barbecue lunch. All of the boys finished the day tired and ready for a sleep. Charlie Randall (6V)

Summer Reading Summer means a much needed break for kids, but it can also mean a break in learning and, in many cases, a regrettable loss of newly developed reading skills. Summer doesn’t need to stall your child’s progress, and it can even be an opportunity to gain reading fluency and enthusiasm. The best books you can borrow for your kids during the holidays are the ones that your child will actually enjoy reading. Children are, unsurprisingly more likely to read when they find a story interesting and engaging. With all that in mind, the boys are welcomed to borrow over the holidays. The library is open every day at 8.00am and closes at 4.00pm; please feel welcomed to visit the library with your son and choose some books to take home for the holidays. Every year Australia’s leading booksellers put together a reading guide for children. If you are looking for inspiration or ideas for your son, this guide is recommended. http://www.kidsreadingguide.com.au/ Michelle Worthington Teacher Librarian

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop will be extending our opening hours from Tuesday 14 November to Friday 8 December, 2017. We will be open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm. In 2018 opening times are as follows: Monday 8 January to Friday 19 January 2018 – 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed weekends. Interview Day: Monday 22 January – 8.00am to 5.00pm Classes begin: Tuesday 23 January – 8.00am to 5.00pm CLOSED - Australia Day Public Holiday - Friday 26 January. We suggest you shop early to avoid the January rush if possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Booklists for 2018 will soon be available on the school website and also at www.campion.com.au our school code is “VNKK”. Please order by the due date 1 December 2017 to avoid a late fee. Please ensure your online order has been accepted by receiving an order confirmation and that you have your son’s correct year level for 2018. Please note some items on the booklist are only available from Campion Education. Book packs delivered to the school will be available for collection at the Uniform Shop from Monday 8 January 2018, 9.00am – 5.00pm. Phone: 07 46872528 Fax: 07 46872591 Email: uniform@twgs.qld.edu.au

After School Care

This past fortnight we have explored a few new countries and began the process of finding out what the boys want to learn about next whether it be animals, places, people, etc. The boys have enjoyed plenty of outside play where they have been miners in the sandpit or sports stars on the fields. Inside we have done origami, fort building and plenty of construction jobs with the Lego, Mobilo and Zoobs. This has been a great year for the after school care, we have met plenty of new faces and continued to build relationships with the boys who have been coming for years. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you next year!

What to do if your child is absent from After School Care? Please remember parents if your child/ren are going to be absent from the service or have gone home sick please call us on 0421 570 461 or notify the customer experience team.

Service Fees and Times

Service Opening Hours Full Fee Out of Pocket Casual Booking

After Care 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm $27.79 $8.81 - $13.90 Add $5.00

Interested in After School Care with Camp Australia? Visit the website https://www.campaustralia.com.au or call our customer service team on 1300 105 343.

I hope you all have a fantastic week. Bonnie Ryan Coordinator

Aquatic Centre

Learn to swim rebooking for term 1 has commenced. Term 1 starts 22 January 2018 and finishes 29 March 2018. Please call on 4687 2631 for any enquiries. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas.

A snap shot of 2017

TERM DATES – 2018

SEMESTER ONE - TERM ONE JANUARY Monday 22 January Interviews with new boys Tuesday 23 January Classes commence Friday 26 January Australia Day Public Holiday MARCH Thursday 29 March Holidays commence at 3:10pm Friday 30 March Good Friday APRIL Monday 2 April Easter Monday Thursday 12 April Toowoomba Show Holiday

TERM TWO

APRIL Tuesday 17 April Classes commence Wednesday 25 April ANZAC Day MAY Monday 7 May Labour Day Public Holiday JUNE Thursday 21 June Holidays commence at 3:30pm Friday 22 June Travel Day for boys JUNE Thursday 21 June Holidays commence at 3:30pm

SEMESTER TWO - TERM THREE

JULY Tuesday 17 July Classes commence SEPTEMBER Thursday 20 September Holidays commence at 3:10pm OCTOBER Monday 1 October Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

TERM FOUR OCTOBER Tuesday 9 October Classes commence NOVEMBER Wednesday 28 November Junior School Speech Day Wednesday 28 November Holidays commence at 10.30am

Assembly Awards

Term 4, Week 6A and 7B

PG

Kyran Brown Cody Fitzgerald Joseph Ramia

Hiresh Wanasinghe Dominic Ace Reisinger

PM

Devan Pokharel Reshan Wickramasekera

Tom Murray Max Lynam

Connor Gilmore Jaxson Parker

1S

James Dwight Jackson Martin Aarush Sharma Farai Bvumbura

Brock Farrell Tokota Mears Nate Pengelly Isaac Russell

1W

Toby Wysel Jace Maddock

Zac Tucker Hamish Popple

Will Purcell

2M Aseel Eisa

Akshaj Kumar Lachlan McAllister

Jay Pradeep Oliver Randle Alby Galbraith

Zack Philp Sammy Srivastava

3G

Ben Constable Thomas McDonald Smith

Nethul Manamperi Mitchell Wilkes

Amand Mandikiza Oliver van Riet

Isaac Whitcombe

3M Mark Ridgway Singyuan Xue

Michael Vicary Rojas Harrison Brown

Buddy Henderson Louis Whittaker

4B

Hammond Briggs Lewis Bird

Matthew Jacob Bailey Harm

Tristahn Hearn Darcy Templeman

Will Watson

4W Charlie Barnes Lachlan Warry Ryan Williams

Will Ivory Zach Freer

Brodie Harrison

5L Isaac Crozier

Declan Goldman Benjamin Miller

Patrick Able Mark Armstrong

5W

Max Williamson Brendon Vicary Rojas

Patrick Nolan Henry Marsden

6H

William Smith Sam Gladwin

6J

Gus Bierhoff Archer Black

Yoseph Bou-Samra Thomas Dixon

Nick Brown Lachlan McNamee

Riley O’Leary Luke Philp

Hugh Russell Ewan Statham Alister van Riet

6V

Chace Oates Tom Charles

Sam Hoffensetz Bede Davis

Junior School ‘Communication’

Awards Lucas McDonald Smith 1W

James Nicholls 4W Matt Taylor 6H

House points will not be announced again this year

until Speech Day.

Term 4, Week 8A Monday 20 November Term 4, Week 8A No clubs in final week of term

Junior School Picnic Day 8.30am - 3.10pm Tuesday 21 November Junior School Speech Day Rehearsal (All boys and Staff), Senior

School Assembly Hall, 8.30am - 10.25am

Lost property - sails, 12.30pm Assembly (Tim Tams), Junior School Hall, 2.10pm Wednesday 22 November Blazer Uniform

Prize winners and musicians to Senior School Hall, 8.00am Junior School Speech Day, Senior School Assembly Hall, 9.00am -

10.20am Morning Tea, Junior School Hall, 10.20am

Holidays commence for students, 10.20am Thursday 23 November Staff Development Day Friday 24 November Staff Development Day

Saturday 25 November School Holidays

Sunday 26 November School Holidays

School Resumes Tuesday 22 January, 2018

Junior School Contact Details Office: 07 4687 2555 Email: gjadmin@twgs.qld.edu.au Web: www.twgs.qld.edu.au Fax: 07 4687 2590 After School Care: 0421 570 461 Corfe House: 07 4687 2660 Aquatic Centre Bookings: 07 4687 2631

Click on the icon above to link to the School’s Facebook page.