TGS’ Leading Ladies

Toowoomba Grammar School’s first female Head of a Boarding House, Mrs Lisa Purves doesn’t take her appointment lightly.

“It’s a privilege to be the first female Head of a Boarding House at this wonderful school,” said Lisa proudly.

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our youngest boarders in what can be a challenging year for them.”

Lisa took up the position on 23 August and hopes to build on the significant work done by her predecessors in making Corfe Boarding House a cheerful, homely environment where boys can thrive. She wants to ensure that each Corfe boy knows that he is supported and cared for.

“I am guided both by what I, as a parent, would want for my child; and what I know, as a Senior School teacher, will prepare the boys for future success,” said Lisa.

“At the end of each year, I would like the boys to think of the House as their second home and look back on their time with fond memories.” Three months into the role and the feedback from families has been overwhelming and positive. The young boarders are also thrilled to have two cheeky Jack Russells in the House, Bluey and Jet.

“Many boys miss their pets immensely, so it’s lovely for them to spend time with the dogs,” said Lisa.

Lisa’s husband, Adam and their children, Jack (9) and Ellie (4) also enjoy their new lifestyle and the chaos of living with 40 boys who are in Years 5-7.

“We feel very fortunate that we have the opportunity as a family to make lifelong memories alongside the boys of Corfe,” said Lisa, extending her gratitude to Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh, and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity.

While there was excitement surrounding this history-making appointment, the ground-breaking moment for female appointments at Toowoomba Grammar School came in 1996, when Headmaster, Mr Hugh Rose appointed Mrs Lynne Yeabsley (who had been teaching at the School since 1988) as the first female Head of House (known as Housemaster at the time). She was assigned to the newly created Day House, Freshney. When the Day and Boarding Houses were combined in 2004, Lynne became Day Housemaster of Groom-Freshney House, which later became Groom House.

In 2001, Lynne was the first woman to be appointed as a Head of Department, leading the Languages Department. Lynne was also the first woman to be appointed to the School’s Executive, as the inaugural Director of Pastoral Care in 2006, by Headmaster, Mr Peter Hauser. Lynne remained in that role until 2010 when she returned to her beloved French classroom, where she still remains.

Lisa and Lynne are two of the many women making a difference at Toowoomba Grammar School.