From the President

from Omnibus Volume 32 No.2 2022

by toowoombagrammarschool

Life After School

From the President Balliwanga

Another six months have passed and much has happened and is happening for our Association.

Year of the 2s Reunions

Coinciding with the Grammar Downlands weekend on 5-7 August we hosted reunions for Old Boys, most specifically from cohorts in multiples of 10 years. This year we featured reunion events for boys who were in Year 12 or would have finished in Year 12 in 2012, 2002, 1992, 1982, 1972,1962, 1952, and 1942.

It was a most successful weekend with over 300 attending the various functions and many more catching up at the numerous informal events that occurred across the weekend. Coordinators for these Year Level Groups and, most specifically School staff, are sincerely thanked for their work in ensuring the success of this weekend.

In terms of organisation, we are still confronted with the challenge of providing a format that caters for all Old Boys who attend the weekend events. It is evident that our younger reunion groups look to just enjoy time together to catch up and are not in need of formality. Our more senior reunion groups seek some formality. Tinkering of format will continue for future years.

TGSOBA Sunshine Coast Old Boys’ Lunch 2022

Congratulations to the organisers of this years’ OBA Sunshine Coast gathering which was also attended by the Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh. Hosted on 22 October at the Duporth Tavern’s “Lane Way Room”, all in attendance had a most enjoyable lunch and afternoon.

Old Boys’ Meeting Spot on Home Games

Our efforts to provide an opportunity for Old Boys to gather and catch up at home rugby games have been most successful with up to 30 Old Boys gathering at each of the occasions hosted this rugby season. The specially designated gathering and viewing area on The Promenade has provided a reason and focus for some of our Old Boys to make the visit and return to the School.

Some most positive feedback was received, illustrating that Old Boys returning are at ease with having an area where they can gather and meet up with others of the same or different vintages. Old Boy Matthew Jenkin (8082) travelled from Gladstone, picking up his Scarborough-residing father, Ronald Jenkin (50-51), travelling to Toowoomba for the opportunity for them both to make a visit and share memories of each other’s time at the School.

Given the success of this initiative, it will continue in 2023. Discussions have commenced with the School regarding the redevelopment of this area which will not only provide a unique gathering place for Old Boys but will be a most handy facility for parents and boys during the week.

Invitation to TGSOBA Management Committee Information Evening

The OBA has been hosting information evenings intended to inform Old Boys of the business and operations of our Association. We will be undertaking further information evenings, and I extend an invitation to Old Boys to join with us for this informal opportunity, where you can meet current members of our Management Committee and the Headmaster and hear about what we do and the strong working relationship we have with the School. Refreshments and finger food will be available.

Interest and willingness from Old Boys to be involved in the work of our Association is encouraged and we would love to hear from you. Please contact me on 0409 010 595 or email on thecreedons@bigpond.com.au.

I am most keen to talk to you about our Association and how you can become involved.

Year 12 Final Assembly Tuesday, 15 November 2022

A highlight on our OBA calendar is the Year 12 Final Assembly.

On the last day of their TGS enrolment, Year 12 students participate in a Final Assembly. A significant part of this Assembly is our Association’s welcome to these boys to the rank of Old Boy and our presentation to them of the TGSOBA tie, cap and key ring.

Our practice is to have Old Boys, who are fathers of Year 12 boys, present their sons with these ties, caps and key rings. There is no prouder moment than for an Old Boy father to welcome his son to the ranks of the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association.

Congratulations on Basketball Success

It needs to be savoured and celebrated as it doesn’t happen very often: a GPS Premiership.

Every Toowoomba Grammar Old Boy joins with me in sharing our delight at the achievement of the 2022 1st V Basketball side. What an amazing result for the players, coaches, and program.

It is our proud tradition to present players with a Premiership Cap as a memento of their significant achievement and as recognition from all Old Boys of the significant pride we have in their achievements. A presentation of these Premiership Caps was made at a suitably hosted School Assembly.

As an Association we take the opportunity to wish everyone all the best for a fun and festive summer vacation.

Mr Mark Creedon (1973-77) President

Year 10 student, Samuel Geu rises to block the shot

1942, 1952, 1962, 1972 & 1977