Toowoomba Grammar School 24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba Qld 4350 PO Box 2900 Toowoomba Qld 4350 2009 ANNUAL REPORT ABN: 86 510 299 250 – CRICOS REGISTRATION No. 00525D TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 4350 24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba Qld 4350 Tel. 07 4687 25[6 Fax. 07 4687 2580 Mobile. 0448 102961 [email protected] Website. www.twgs.qld.cdu.3u ABN86510299250 CRICOS REG.No. 00525D

1 March 2009

The Honourable Geoff Wilson MP Minister for Education and Training PO Box 15033 CITY EAST QLD 4002

Dear Minister

I am pleased to present the Annual Report 2009 for the Board ofTrustees of the Toowoomba Grammar SchooL

I certify that this Annual Report generally complies with: • the prescribed requirements of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009, and • the detailed requirements set out in the Annual Report Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies,january 2010.

Yours sincerely ~OOIacott Secretary Board ofTrustees ofthe Toowoomba Grammar School

TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL

2009 ANNUAL REPORT

TO THE

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING

ISSN 1837­848X

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. 2009 HIGHLIGHTS ...... 1 2. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ...... 2 2.1 Legislation ...... 2 2.2 Establishment ...... 2 2.3 Statutory Functions of the Board ...... 2 2.4 Statutory Powers of the Board ...... 2 2.5 Location ...... 3 2.6 Availability of the Annual Report ...... 3 2.7 Governance ...... 3 2.7.1 Membership of the Board ...... 3 2.7.2 Meetings of the Board ...... 4 2.7.3 Organisational Structure ...... 4 2.8 Overseas Travel ...... 4 2.8.1 Board of Trustees...... 4 2.8.2 School Tours ...... 4 2.9 Consultancies ...... 5 2.10 Risk Management ...... 5 2.11 Controlled Entities ...... 5 2.12 Management Systems ...... 6 3. TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL OPERATIONS ...... 7 3.1 Economic Climate and Factors Affecting the School ...... 7 3.1.1 Students ...... 7 3.1.2 Staff ...... 7 3.1.3 Staff Professional Development ...... 9 3.1.4 Boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School ...... 10 3.1.5 Government Funding at the School....……………….…………………….. 11 Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 ii

3.2 Special Interest Groups ...... 12 3.2.1 The Environment Club ...... 12 3.2.2 TGS Old Boys ...... 12 3.2.3 Parents’ and Friends’ Association ...... 13

4. STRATEGIC DIRECTION ...... 13 4.1 Learning and Understanding ...... 13 4.2 Relationships and Physical Development ...... 20 4.3 Society ...... 22 4.4 Finance and Infrastructure ...... 23 4.5 Future Direction...... 26 4.5.1 Boarding ...... 26 4.5.2 Building Projects ...... 26 4.5.3 Digital Education Revolution ...... 27 4.5.4 A Commitment to Boys’ Education ...... 27

5. APPENDICES ...... 28 Appendix 1 – Staff Organisational Chart ...... 29 Appendix 2 – 2009 Annual Financial Statements ...... 30

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 iii

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND MINISTER FOR THE ARTS FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2009 TO 31 DECEMBER 2009

1. 2009 HIGHLIGHTS

Membership of the Board The new Board of Trustees appointed on 9 July, 2009 Page 3

Risk Management Non‐State Schools’ Accreditation Board – Cyclical Page 5 Review

Staff Professor Patrick Duignan presents workshop on Page 9 leadership

Government Funding and the School receives funds under BER and DER initiatives of Page 11 School the Commonwealth Government

Learning and Understanding 27% of OP eligible Year 12 students received an OP in Page 13 the range of 1‐4

Robocup team placed second in the Queensland State Page 15 Championships

Student selected to represent Queensland at the Page 15 National Constitutional Convention in Canberra

Year 11 student invited to participate in the 2009 Page 16 Queensland Australian Mathematics Olympiad Committee

Two Year 12 students were selected to represent Page 17 Australia at the International Youth Science Forum

Three students presented with a DISCO Award Page 18

One Hundred and Forty students performed the Rock Page 19 Musical Jesus Christ Superstar

Society Thirty‐three boys care for disabled students at Sony Page 22 Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp

Finance and Infrastructure Construction of Aquatic Centre commenced Page 23

Future Directions Planned introduction of School Laptop Programme Page 27

2. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT

2.1 Legislation The Toowoomba Grammar School is a Statutory Authority under the Grammar Schools Act 1975.

2.2 Establishment

The Toowoomba Grammar School was founded on 5 August 1875 as a Boarding and Day School for boys, when the Lieutenant‐Governor of Queensland, Mr Justice Lilley, laid the Foundation Stone of the original School building. The School opened on 1 February 1877, with an enrolment of forty‐two boys, of whom eighteen were boarders.

Toowoomba Grammar School is the equal third oldest secondary school in the State, and is one of the Great Public Schools of Queensland currently educating boys from Prep to Year 12.

At the commencement of 2009 the enrolment was 953, comprising 276 boarders and 677 dayboys.

2.3 Statutory Functions of the Board

The functions of the Board are to:

• supervise, maintain and control the conduct of the School; • erect, alter, add to, purchase or sell buildings used or to be used for or in connection with the School; • affect general improvements to the premises used and to be used for or in connection with the School; • provide courses of instruction; and • make rules with respect to – - fees and charges to be paid by or on behalf of students enrolled or to be enrolled at the school; - the management and control of the school; and - the discipline and conduct of students enrolled at the school.

2.4 Statutory Powers of the Board

Generally the Board shall have and may exercise and perform such powers, authorities, functions and duties as are conferred or imposed upon it under the Grammar Schools Act 1975.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 2

• Power to establish trust funds and to accept gifts and the like subject to conditions; • Power to establish investment common funds; • Appointment of employees; • By‐law making power; • Power to enter into financial arrangements; and • Establish, amend or take part in a Superannuation Scheme.

2.5 Location

The Toowoomba Grammar School is located at 24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba. The School’s property is 20.44 hectares with buildings constructed to provide both education and boarding facilities. The grounds have six sporting ovals and other recreational facilities.

The Toowoomba Grammar School postal address is – PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 4350 and the website is www.twgs.qld.edu.au.

2.6 Availability of the Annual Report

This report is available for viewing by contacting the:

Chief Financial Officer Toowoomba Grammar School PO Box 2900 Toowoomba Qld 4350

ISSN 1837‐848X

2.7 Governance

2.7.1 Membership of the Board

The Board of Trustees of the Toowoomba Grammar School was constituted in 1874.

Members of the Board of Trustees of the Toowoomba Grammar School are appointed by the Governor‐in‐Council.

Members of the Board are appointed for a term of four years.

The current Board of Trustees was appointed on 9 July 2009.

Four members are nominated by the Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts. Three members who have donated or subscribed the prescribed amount to Toowoomba Grammar School are elected by persons who are qualified to be elected in accordance with the Act and are included on the Roll of Electors.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 3

Elected Representatives Mr Glen William McCracken, Solicitor (Chairman). Mr Stewart John Handley, Teacher (Deputy Chairman). Mr Ian Lindsay Stirling, Grazier and Farmer (Chairman of the Works Committee).

Government Appointments Mrs Julie Ann Michael, Barrister (Member of the Works Committee). Mrs Barbara MacDiarmid, Teacher (Chairman of the Marketing Committee and Member of the Works Committee). Mr Evan Russ Johnson, Chartered Accountant (Chairman of the Finance Committee). Dr Russell Malcolm Domrow, General Practitioner (Member of the Finance Committee).

2.7.2 Meetings of the Board

The Board of Trustees held eight General Meetings and four Special Meetings during 2009.

2.7.3 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FINANCE WORKS MARKETING COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

2.8 Overseas Travel

2.8.1 Board of Trustees

No overseas travel was taken on behalf of the School by any Member of the Board of Trustees in 2009.

2.8.2 Student Tours

In the September school holidays a group of eighteen Year 8 and Year 9 students participated in an international Soccer competition held in the Japanese city of Maebashi. Now in its thirteenth year, this competition was originally initiated by the Mayor of Maebashi as a way of fostering international co‐operation through the game. Our boys came seventh in the competition and benefited enormously by looking at the dedication and training discipline of the young Japanese players. To immerse themselves in the Japanese culture through living with Japanese host families during the competition was an added bonus. Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 4

A chance to visit the high Himalayas in Nepal over the Easter break was embraced by eighteen boys who learned a lot about Hinduism and Buddhism while in the Kathmandu valley and even more about themselves as they coped with the cold nights, altitude, steep terrain and long days during the trek to the Langtang district.

At the end of Term 3 a second group of nine boys accepted the opportunity to visit four countries; Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand on the second extended outing dubbed the “Mekong Adventure”.

2.9 Consultancies

Consultants were engaged in 2009 to assist the Board ‐

• Management ‐ $1,385 • Human Resource Management ‐ $16,542 • Professional/Technical ‐ $353,093

2.10 Risk Management

The Office of the Non‐State Schools’ Accreditation Board is responsible for regularly reviewing the performance of all independent schools and during the year our school was reviewed according to five key criteria – Governance and Administration; Financial Viability; Educational Programme and Student Welfare; Resources and Facilities; and Improvement Processes. It was reassuring that this Cyclical Review by the Government was positive in all areas of its study.

One of the roles of the Schools’ Finance Committee is to identify financial risk and to put in place strategies to manage those risks.

During 2009 the School released its Fraud Control Policy and specific reference to the Schools Financial Risk Management is made in Section 27 of the Financial Statements enclosed in this report.

The School’s Workplace Health, Safety and Compliance Officer coordinates the Schools Safety Management System and its implementation. Each term a Safety Specialist visits the School to review the Safety Management System Action Improvement Plan and assists Management, the Workplace Health and Safety Committee and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compliance Officer to identify issues and effective strategies to correct the issues.

2.11 Controlled Entities

The Board of Trustees of the Toowoomba Grammar School established a Building Fund in 1958 managed by the Trustees and is established in accordance with “Collections Act 1966”. The fund is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Taxation Office and is audited by the Queensland Audit Office. The financial details are included in the attached statements.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 5

The functions of the Toowoomba Grammar School Public Building Fund are to provide money for the acquisition, construction and maintenance of the School buildings through public donations.

In 2008 the School established the Toowoomba Grammar School Scholarship and Bursary Fund to receive, acquire and hold gifts, donations and legacies and devices for the advancement of the Fund. The Fund is maintained solely for providing money for scholarships or bursaries and is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Taxation Office. The financial details are included in the attached statements.

2.12 Management Systems

The Board of Trustees of the Toowoomba Grammar School maintains a computerised reporting system, specifically designed for the management of the school’s financial and operational performance.

The software package “Delta Link” is provided by a Melbourne based company with an agent in Brisbane who services the software.

Financial reports to the Board provide a complete breakdown by department, detailing the income and expenditure, cash flow and a comparison of actual income or expenditure against the budget for the particular month and for the year to date.

Other reports provided to the Board include the School’s cash position, details of loans and repayments, temporary investments including current rates of earnings and details of capital works.

The above reports and systems provide information for the Board to decide if it is: • Maximising the yields of revenue from its available revenue base; • Operating within its budget and achieving reasonable value for money; • Maximising the benefits arising from investments, including long and short term investments; • Maximising the use of, and the benefits available from, its assets, including receivables, inventories and non‐current physical assets; and • Minimising its costs and risks in relation to its liabilities and contingent liabilities.

The system also provides an integrated student management system, human resource management system and asset management system.

The School has commenced a review of this system to ensure its compatibility with other management systems throughout the School.

The School complies with the Draft Grammar Schools Sector Retention and Disposal Schedule as issued by the State Archivist in accordance with the Public Records Act 2002, Information Standard 40: Recordkeeping and Information Standard 31: Retention and Disposal of Public Records. Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 6

3. TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL OPERATIONS

3.1 Economic Climate and Factors Affecting the School

3.1.1 Students

Overall student numbers increased by 2.3% from 932 in 2008 to 953 in 2009. The Boarding numbers also increased slightly from 273 in 2008 to 276 in 2009.

The Boards’ optimism on enrolment numbers in the 2008 report has proven to be correct. Indications from confirmed enrolments and future enquiries would indicate that 2009 should see overall record enrolment numbers at the School.

1200 Student Numbers 1000

800 Boarders 600 Day Boys 400 Total Students

200

0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

3.1.2 Staff

The Toowoomba Grammar School Workplace Agreement 2008 is in place and will be in operation until the end of 2011.

As reflected in the table below, our full‐time equivalent staff grew by 4.4. Additional staff have been employed in both the Primary and Secondary Schools to accommodate the additional students.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 7

Staff – Full­Time Equivalent

Teaching Staff 2006 2007 2008 2009 Primary 15.5 14.9 15.7 15.7 Secondary 52.4 54.8 55.6 57.5 Boarding 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.6

TOTAL 69.6 71.5 73.1 74.8

Non­Teaching 2006 2007 2008 2009 Staff Primary 8.0 8.2 9.6 10 Secondary 22.2 24.9 27.2 29.1 Boarding 30.6 31.6 29.7 30.1

TOTAL 60.8 64.7 66.5 69.2

GRAND TOTAL 130.4 136.2 139.6 144

The School’s 2009 Workplace Profile is as follows:

Workplace Profile 2009 Non Government Schools total Average salary full time % part-time % casual % % Occupational employees $k Category female male female female male female female male female female male female female male 1 0 0 1 0 $227 Principal 2 0 0 2 0 $119 Deputy principal Other - Snr 2 4 33 2 4 33 $99 $109 Administrators 6 21 22 6 21 22 $85 $87 Senior teachers 14 26 35 5 100 19 26 42 $72 $74 Other Teachers Other 3 3 50 3 0 7 5 58 10 11 48 $61 $69 Professionals 11 11 50 29 14 67 29 9 76 69 34 67 $49 $45 Support Staff TOTAL 36 68 35 34 17 67 36 14 72 106 99 52

(Does not include intermittent or seasonal employees such as supply teachers, casual sports coaches etc)

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 8

All positions are first advertised internally through staff notice boards then externally through relevant media outlets i.e. newspapers, webpage, SEEK etc.

Unless it is deemed appropriate, all positions are classified as non‐gender specific. As Toowoomba Grammar School is an all boys’ school, some positions in the Boarding Houses will be classified as male only.

Job share is available subject to the approval of the Headmaster, taking into account the operational requirements of the School.

A large number of non‐teaching staff are employed on a term‐time basis which generally suits their family commitments.

A staff organisational chart is detailed in Appendix 1.

3.1.3 Staff Professional Development

The quality of our teaching staff is fundamental to the success of the School and the welfare of our students. As professionals, the School’s teachers actively seek to extend their skills and abilities by attending various professional development seminars. All of our staff are involved in this process and the professional development activities are conducted both internally and externally. The School engaged the services of Emeritus Professor Patrick Duignan (Australian Catholic University, NSW) for a one‐day workshop/seminar for all Heads of Department in February. Professor Duignan spoke on leadership and what he terms “authentic” learning. The Heads of Department were introduced to strategies to enable them to influence the quality of teaching and student outcomes in their subject departments. The entire Senior School staff also participated in a four‐hour evening professional development seminar in February. On this occasion the Director of Studies, Mrs Paulina Skerman, presented a series of learning frameworks and spoke about the “Melbourne Declaration” which refers to the “National Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians” released by the State, Territory and Commonwealth Ministers of Education in December 2008. The staff, working in subject departments, then considered the practical applications of the curriculum theory. In May the School hosted a Professional Development seminar for educators in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The session was conducted by an organization known as Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) and focussed on the national education agenda, state issues and government funding. Our School was one of only nine schools throughout Queensland selected to host this series of seminars.

The School also had the distinction of hosting a further two eminent Australian educationalists through our alliance with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The first was the Chief Executive Officer of the ACER, Professor Geoff Masters, reporting on his key findings following his research into the state of primary education in Queensland. Professor Masters made five recommendations to the Queensland Premier. These included that all aspiring primary teachers be required to demonstrate through test performances, as a condition of registration, that they meet threshold levels of knowledge about the teaching of literacy, numeracy and science and

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 9

have sound levels of content knowledge in these areas; and that standard science tests be introduced at Years 4, 6, 8 and 10 for school use in identifying students who are not meeting year‐level expectations and for monitoring student progress over time.

The second keynote speaker was Dr Michael Carr‐Gregg, one of Australia’s most well known adolescent psychologists and one of the founding members of the National Coalition Against Bullying. Dr Carr‐Gregg spoke to a large group of Toowoomba and Darling Downs educators on the topic “Students At Risk”. Many of the School’s Housemasters also benefited from hearing Dr Carr‐Gregg speak on the topic of “Cyber‐ Bullying” when he spoke at an educational conference in Brisbane during the year.

The School’s Deputy Headmaster, Mr Timothy Kelly, has also contributed to the professional development of other teachers beyond the School through his presentation of a seminar paper at a conference conducted by the International Boys’ Schools’ Coalition held in New Zealand this year. Mr Kelly’s paper addressed the topic “Windows into Manhood”. Furthermore, in June, 60 primary school teachers in Toowoomba attended a professional development seminar held at our Junior School. The seminar focussed on the educational use of interactive whiteboards. The following month saw our entire teaching staff participate in an evening professional development activity. The session was titled “Information Technology and Pedagogy” and this was led by Mr Daniel Ingvarson, an Information Technology educational consultant from Melbourne. This presentation was financed by a successful application made by the School to the “Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme School‐Based Enquiry and Renewal Project Application”. Many of our teachers also attended specific professional development in‐service programmes relevant to their own subject areas. These workshops and seminars were conducted by a range of organisations including the Queensland Studies Authority, Independent Schools Queensland and various tertiary institutions both in Queensland and interstate.

3.1.4 Boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School

Boarding has always been an integral part of Toowoomba Grammar School. From the first intake of students in 1877 we have enjoyed the company of boarders living in our School. Over recent years we have noted our boarders coming from a greater diversity of geographic regions across Australia. Boys from Western Queensland and Northern New South Wales continue to make a significant contribution to our boarding enrolments but we are also now noticing enrolments from North and Central Queensland and also the Northern Territory. Unlike the majority of boarding schools in Australia, we continue to be a boarding school for Australian bush boys with relatively few students coming from overseas nations. This fact, together with the enrolment of very few, if any, weekly boarders, means that our boarders can forge lifelong friendships from within the boarding community. Furthermore, the size of our boarding community, which represents over one‐third of the Senior School enrolment, means that the boarders can never be regarded as a small sub‐set of the School; nor can they ever be dismissed without a voice or a consideration of their special circumstances. It is anticipated that in future years those schools with relatively small boarding enrolments will have difficulty in sustaining their operation. This, in turn, will Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 10

further reinforce Toowoomba Grammar School’s position as one of Australia’s pre‐ eminent boarding schools for boys coming from regional, rural and remote locations.

3.1.5 Government Funding and the School

The Commonwealth Government had as its election commitment a maintenance of the existing levels of federal funding for non‐government schools. Legislation preserved capital funding and targeted programme funding levels for the non‐government sector over the 2009‐12 quadrennium. The School’s successful application for an additional 163 computers under the National Secondary Computer Fund was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 28 January 2009. The School also was successful in receiving funding based on an application under the Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Capital Assistance Scheme. This money was spent on extending the wireless network throughout the School.

Early this year the Federal Government announced an economic stimulus package titled Nation Building and Jobs Plan. A significant part of the government’s plan included a component titled Building the Education Revolution (now referred to generally as BER). This BER package is to provide $14.7 billion over three years for school capital projects. The independent schools’ sector is expected to receive $1.5 billion under the BER. The School has already been the beneficiary of some of this money and these developments will now be outlined. Under a $1.3 billion package titled Renewing Australia’s Schools, Toowoomba Grammar School, together with every school in Australia, received up to $200,000 for maintenance and renewal of school buildings and minor building works. There were various conditions attached to this grant and priority was given to areas such as sun‐smart policies, disabled access ramps and so on. We have used this money this year to achieve three outcomes – a newly constructed shelter for the boys to sit and wait for pick‐up by vehicles and buses by the Margaret Street loop road, a disabled access ramp leading to the W.M. Dent Library and the Assembly Hall and to assist in the construction of an all‐weather outdoor basketball court at the site of the former swimming pool. For historical purposes we should record that the former swimming pool (originally called the School Baths), having been constructed in 1927 as one of the Jubilee Fund projects, was filled in during September 2009.

The major part of the government’s Building the Education Revolution funding is for a component titled Primary Schools for the 21st Century. A total of $12.4 billion has been allocated to build or upgrade large scale infrastructure, such as libraries and multipurpose halls in every primary school, special school and Prep‐12 school in Australia. The amount of government grant payable to each school was determined by the student enrolment. In our case, as is the scenario of other primary schools with comparable enrolment numbers (210 in Grammar Junior), we have received a grant of two million dollars to finance large scale construction; as compared with primary schools in Australia with a significantly higher student enrolment which received the maximum grant of $3 million. As per the government instruction, a new Library and new Multipurpose Hall will be constructed here in 2010 as an extension to the current Grammar Junior buildings. The new development will be built parallel to Herries Street

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 11

and stretch, within our grounds, towards the city’s central business district. In addition to the new Library and Multipurpose Hall will be the construction of general learning areas with finances provided by the School.

This unprecedented allocation of Commonwealth Government funds will result in every primary school in the country taking on the appearance of a building site during 2010. This massive investment of money into schools, however, extends beyond the construction of buildings. Another aspect of the funding is the Digital Education Revolution.

Under this scheme the Government aims to improve the teaching and learning of information and communications technology (ICT) in Australian schools. From our perspective, this $2.2 billion programme will enable us to provide one computer for every student in Years 9‐12. The Headmaster has recently recommended to the School’s Board of Trustees that we “roll‐out” laptop computers financed by the Commonweath Government to all of our students in Years 9‐12. This will be implemented on a progressive scheduled basis whereby it is anticipated that our Year 9 students will receive their personal laptop computer late in 2010, with the incoming Year 9 students of 2011 receiving theirs in 2011 and so on. Eventually every student in Years 9‐12 at the School will have his own laptop under a nominal leasing agreement over a four year cycle.

3.2 Special Interest Groups

3.2.1 The Environment Club

The involvement of the boys in the student‐led Environment Club was greater this year than any year since its inception several years ago. Activities included tree planting (with the boys being involved in the National Tree Day), Clean‐Up Australia (with over thirty boys volunteering), Earth Hour (switching off lights for one hour in recognition of energy conservation), the Mobile Muster (collecting obsolete mobile telephones) and the writing of a community environmental newsletter. A major initiative of the Year 12 President was the organisation of an environmental video competition amongst the youth of Toowoomba. This involved him preparing a concept paper, a business plan and then to putting it into practice. The final of the environmental video competition was held in the School’s Assembly Hall in October. Quite appropriately, the President of the Environment Club won a Future Leaders’ Climate Writing Award this year. The article “Climate Change and Me” will be featured in a book published by Future Leaders and this book will be made available free to secondary schools throughout Australia.

3.2.2 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association

The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association has continued to offer every support to the School. A major achievement of the Old Boys’ Association in 2009 was the opening of the School Museum and Old Boys’ Building on Sunday 31st May. It was a wonderful celebration for the school community which included the presence of members of the Board of Trustees, staff, former staff, Old Boys and supporters of the Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 12

School. In addition, a large number of interested persons from the general public were in attendance, many of whom had travelled long distances to be present.

3.2.3 The Parents’ and Friends’ Association Inc.

It is essential that parents exhibit an interest in their sons’ education and the School. The voluntary efforts of a large number of parent‐helpers contributes greatly to the services and resources provided to our students. A major achievement of the Parents and Friends’ Association this year, and one immensely well received by the boys and staff, was the financing of the air‐conditioning of the Assembly Hall. This, together with the Association’s ongoing additions to the resources of the School, has been much appreciated.

4. STRATEGIC DIRECTION

4.1 Learning and Understanding

Objectives:

• To foster our students’ intellect to the highest level of which they are capable and to prepare them to undertake further learning and development. • All of our students are encouraged to search for knowledge and understanding in all spheres of their academic endeavour.

Outcomes:

Academic Achievement

From the commencement of a boy’s education with us, we seek to develop those personal qualities deemed to be so important – far more than a single OP score – the qualities of honesty, integrity, perseverance, compassion, humility, resilience, ability to work with others, tolerance, acceptance of the need for hard work and so on.

The School congratulates all Year 12 students who have worked diligently to achieve their goals.

In 2009: Nine (9) boys gained an OP 1 (3 boarders and 6 dayboys); seven (7) boys gained an OP2; six (6) boys gained an OP 3; twelve (12) boys gained an OP 4.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 13

27% of the 128 boys studying an academic course for entry to tertiary education gained an OP in the range 1‐4.

40% of the students achieved an OP in the range 1‐7.

Over 70% were in the OP range 1‐13.

Our students achieved these impressive academic results in a well rounded educational environment involving extensive participation in sporting, cultural and social activities.

We also commend the twenty (20) Year12 students who completed a vocational and educational training (VET) and School‐Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SAT) programme. Many of these young men have now directly entered the workforce.

The Headmaster and teaching staff obtain great pleasure in seeing our school leavers achieve their goals. What is so noteworthy is that these young men achieve their academic and vocational goals whilst combining this with a full commitment to the sporting and co‐ curricular activities of the School.

These young men have benefited from a broad, general education offering them every opportunity to live full and rewarding lives.

Economics and Commerce

Eighteen students from Year 11 Economics and Accounting engaged in a three‐day entrepreneurial business simulation during the year. The simulation, known as ECOMAN (economic management), was facilitated by the Queensland Private Enterprise Centre (QPEC) and hosted by Wagners company in Toowoomba. Business was conducted on a computer simulated program where the business ran for a notional four‐year period. Content areas and skill development included Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Production, Human Resources,

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 14

Industrial Relations, Government Regulation and Shareholders. This is the fourth time Wagners has hosted this event and the management of the company allow the boys use of the company’s Boardroom. The ongoing support of this business is much appreciated.

As part of the Year 10 Business Studies curriculum, all students participated in the ABW on‐ line Business Management game. The students, in teams of six or seven, were asked to take over an established manufacturing company, running it for a simulated two year period. On a weekly basis, the groups had to make up to 56 decisions covering areas such as marketing, finance, management and production. Competing against over 30 teams, our students again performed strongly, placing second in this national on‐line simulation.

Information Technology

One enjoyable competition this year was “Robocup”. Five Senior School boys in the School’s Robocup team were placed second in the Senior Dance category at the Queensland State Championships held at The University of Queensland. “Robocup” is a challenging competition that requires students to demonstrate a high level of programming while being creative and innovative. The boys built and refined their robots for movement and stability and then choreographed the robots’ moves to their selected music.

English

Each year, English students from around Australia and twelve other countries compete in the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) English Competition. The competition assesses students’ understandings and skills in a range of English tasks. This year, due to a busy academic calendar, only a small group of students from Years 8, 9 and 10 participated in the competition. However, despite the small numbers, our students achieved outstanding results with averages for all grades well above the State mean. Furthermore, six of our students were awarded High Distinctions which equates to being in the top 1% in Queensland, whilst another 48 students achieved Distinctions placing them within the top 10%.

Geography

A total of 87,000 competitors from 807 schools participated in the 2009 Australian Geography Competition. Of these students, the top 10% of candidates received a High Distinction. Toowoomba Grammar School had 10 boys gain a High Distinction in the Junior Section (13 years or under), 38 boys a High Distinction in the Intermediate Section (14‐15 years) and 16 students in the Senior Section (over 16 years).

History

Senior students were invited to take part in the Darling Downs Constitutional Convention this year which was held at the University of Southern Queensland’s Education Centre. Of our participants, one student was selected to represent Queensland at the National Constitutional Convention which was held in Canberra in March.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 15

Languages

In the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Assessment of Language Competence assessment, a number of boys in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 received High Distinctions. In French Certificate 3 there were ten boys achieving High Distinctions, a further six boys in French Certificate 2 and two Year 9 boys in French Certificate 1. Ten boys in Year 9 achieved High Distinctions in Japanese Certificate 1.

Mathematics

This year the School’s Year 8 team won the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers’ Quiz for the Toowoomba/Warwick zone. This team competed against all other Toowoomba secondary schools and the boys then progressed to the State finals in Brisbane. Only nine schools were selected to attend the State Finals, with schools travelling from as far as Rockhampton. The competition was very tight, with our team placed fourth on 26.5 points, whilst the winners, Brisbane State High School, finished on 29 points. Of all of the schools in the competition, our team obtained the highest result in the individual problem solving component of the competition.

One of our Year 11 students was also invited to participate in the 2009 Queensland Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee. This is to identify the top candidates throughout Australia who will then be invited to form the Australian team to compete in the Asian‐Pacific Mathematical Olympiad and the 2010 International Mathematical Olympiad in Kazakhstan. In a competition involving 900 primary and secondary school students from the Darling Downs, our teams won first place in three major divisions – the Year 8, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary divisions.

In the Australian Mathematics Competition, our boys were successful in achieving three “Prizes” which are only awarded to the top 0.3% of the participants in the country. A total of 12 High Distinctions (top 5% of the participants), 106 Distinctions (top 25% of participants) and 190 Credits (the top 60% of participants) were also achieved. The students’ overall results in this national competition were highly commendable and are indicative of a strong academic programme within this Department.

Science

Our Year 10 teams finished a creditable fourth in Queensland in the “Science Engineering Challenge” Silver Plate competition. One team of boys won the “Mission to Mars” Competition. In this they had to design, build and test a vehicle suspension system for an all‐terrain vehicle that could carry a load without falling off, safely and swiftly across rugged terrain. Another team won the “Future Power” Competition. This activity required modelling the production of power required for infrastructure at the cheapest price possible. A further team finished second in the “Hover Frenzy” Competition. Here the boys designed and built a hovercraft that had good height clearance and manoeuvrability and could negotiate obstacles with speed and control.

Our students also performed well in the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) National Science Competition. Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 16

This year 363 boys in Years 8‐10 entered the competition. The results were pleasing with 13 High Distinctions (top 1% of the State), 84 Distinctions (top 10% of the State) and 83 Credits (next 20% of the State) awarded. This continues a trend of improvement over the past few years. The results indicated that our students are performing at a level three times better than the State average in this competition.

Results in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz confirmed the above finding. The 61 entrants from Years 11‐12 gained 12 High Distinctions, 13 Distinctions and 12 Credits. In this competition our boys performed between 10 and 15% better than the State average. The School gained High Distinctions at twice the Queensland average and, at both Year 11 and Year 12, approximately 40% of our boys were placed in the top 25% of state entrants. Four boys are to be particularly warmly commended for their placement in the top 1% of entrants in Queensland.

Two Year 12 students were selected to represent Australia at the International Youth Science Forum. One student travelled to South Africa and the other attended the London International Youth Science Forum. To have two of our students selected as Australian Ambassadors from only 13 boys in Australia is a remarkable achievement.

Another of our students was also selected to represent Australia at the 2009 Pacific Rim International Camp held in Japan during August. This annual two‐week camp receives corporate Japanese sponsorship and aims to promote cultural appreciation and international friendship.

Vocational and Education Training

Consistent with the School’s philosophy of our students committing themselves in all areas, in 2009 we have witnessed success not only in the academic area but also in vocational training. Whilst Toowoomba Grammar School maintains a predominantly traditional and academically rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for tertiary entrance and further study, it also acknowledges and values those students whose talents are not essentially academic. The School recognises that not all students seek to study a university undergraduate course and it is not in the national interest to have all school leavers commit to this. Those students whose skills lie more in the practical and applied areas frequently select more vocationally oriented subjects as electives in the curriculum.

In Year 11 in 2009 we had 17 students elect to study a non‐OP course, namely one that does not qualify for direct university entrance. Rather, these boys completed highly regarded, nationally recognized Certificate II and III courses in Information Technology, Agriculture, Construction, Hospitality, Engineering and Automotive. Twelve boys in Year 11 were permitted to engage in a school‐based apprenticeship or traineeship, or to complete studies at TAFE. Areas of employment training included diesel fitting, engineering production and carpentry.

In Year 12, we had a further sixteen students enrol in School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (known as SATs). Most of these boys also worked one day per week in industry gaining practical vocational training.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 17

The organisation known as DISCO (Downs Industry Schools Co‐operative) assists young people with their transition from school to work and further training. The School was pleased to host the annual DISCO Awards Presentation Night in 2009. Approximately 400 guests visited the School including the Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council, the Honorable Peter Taylor, and State Member of Parliament, the Honorable Kerry Shine. It was rewarding to open the School to the broader community on this occasion and to celebrate the achievements of those students who possess and develop practical vocational skills. During the evening eleven award categories were considered. Many of these were in occupational areas generally not sought by young men. Of the remainder, the School was delighted to see three Toowoomba Grammarians presented with a DISCO Award. These included the Australian Industry Group Heavy Industrial Award, the Toowoomba Metal Technologies Engineering Award and the Pacific Seeds Agricultural Award. These boys also won a trophy, framed certificate and cheque and their award was based on written statements provided by their employers, training providers and the School and, in addition, each attended a mandatory interview. One of the interviewers on each interview panel was a representative from industry (the sponsoring organisation).

At the end of Term Two, all of the 159 students in Year 10 spent five days in the workplace and matured and broadened their horizons as a result. Boys in Year 11 participated in a mock interview with interviewers visiting the School from a range of areas including universities, the Australian Defence Force, business and industry. Students in Years 11 and 12 also attended University Open Days and undertook private research by visiting the many career information web addresses found on our School’s webpage.

Representatives from all Queensland Universities also visited the School during the year as well as lawyers, engineers, surveyors and health professionals.

Every year we seem to be adding to the Career Education Programme for our boys. A very positive initiative in 2009, and one greatly appreciated by those who participated, was the Year 10 parent careers information workshops.

Music and Drama

In March, 46 of our boys out of a group of 73 students, parents and staff departed for Hawaii to participate in the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Honolulu. This contingent represented the School’s largest ever overseas music tour surpassing previously attended international music festivals and tours to New York City and San Francisco. Over ten days the boys work‐shopped, performed and socialized within the festival. The music workshops involved hundreds of students from Alaska, Montana, California, New Zealand and Australia. Clearly attendance at such a Hawaiian festival of music represented a highlight of many boys’ time at the School.

In May, twenty students participated in the annual GPS Music Workshop in Brisbane which culminated in a Gala Music Performance held at the Queensland Conservatorium theatre.

One indication of the depth of our music programme is that our Wind Ensemble now totals over 50 boys. Furthermore, our School’s students received first, second or third place in every one of the eight events entered in the Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod in 2009. First place awards went to ‘The Grammarphones’ in the open contemporary section (the Barry Ledger Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 18

Memorial Trophy), the Secondary Boys’ Choirs (the Penny Family Shield) and the modern chorus (the Glennie School Trophy). It was also a great honour to win the most prestigious of the Eisteddfod trophies, the ‘Anne Thomas Aggregate Trophy’ for modern chorus, spiritual and small vocal ensemble.

One hundred and forty of our boys together with a female cast from various neighbouring schools performed the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar on 13‐15 August inclusive at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. The boys’ involvement in the musical represented almost twenty per cent of the Senior School enrolment and vividly displayed to all the strength of the performing arts at this school. The performances were acclaimed and the entire team of soloists, chorus, orchestra, backstage, set, costumes, make‐up, choreography and animation all combined to produce an outstanding show. Over 5,600 people attended the four performances with the Empire Theatre completely sold out on the Saturday evening final performance.

The extremely talented Year 12 Music students showcased their skills in a Music Extension Concert held in October. This represented one of the final occasions in which the students would play for a Toowoomba Grammar School audience. Five of the Year 12 students were assessed on their instrumental performances (saxophone, voice, percussion, bass guitar and drumkit) whilst the audience also listened to compositions by seven Composing Specialisation students.

A group of approximately twenty boys devoted a large part of their out‐of‐school hours involvement to the Toowoomba Grammar School Acting Academy known as TiGAA. Throughout the year, students, friends and the wider school community were entertained by skits such as old favourites from the Monty Python gang, Cook and Moore, Abbott and Costello and also original scripts from staff and the boys. TiGAA is another highly valued part of the co‐ curricular programme and for many boys represents a highlight of their schooling.

Grammar Junior

Toowoomba Grammar School’s Junior School offers an education for boys that is unique in Toowoomba and across the region. The Junior School is the only all boys’ school from Prep to Year 7 in the area and, as such, is the only primary school specialising in an all boys’ education across the Darling Downs. In a broader context this places Toowoomba Grammar School as the only all boys’ school from Prep to Year 12 in Toowoomba and in the region.

In relation to the Junior School curriculum, reading, writing and the fundamentals of Mathematics are taught from the Prep year, which is more consistent with the national approach to education. In particular, the rigorous approach to the teaching of reading from Prep is proving to be highly successful. The boys’ reading levels in Years 1 to 3 continue to be well in advance, in general terms, of reading levels at other schools. The National Assessment Program Literacy And Numeracy (NAPLAN) for children across Australia in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 occurred in May. The performance of over one million students from 9000 schools across Australia was analysed to produce individual student, class and school reports. In general terms the performance of our boys was quite good, particularly in the areas of reading and Mathematics. In the music and cultural programme, a full school production was held in third term titled ‘Ratbags – The Musical’. The annual Singers’ Trophy and Twilight Concert were also held. Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 19

4.2 Relationships and Physical Development

Objectives:

To provide each boy with:

• An appreciation of their individual strengths and an understanding of their shortcomings, their interests and their self‐esteem. • An understanding and acceptance of the importance of good sportsmanship and learning to win and lose in an appropriate manner. • An interest in and enjoyment of a diverse co‐curricular programme including outdoor recreational activities and pursuits in a variety of challenging and interesting experiences and environment, in which his self‐reliance can be developed.

Outcomes:

Activities Week

One aspect of Pastoral Care is the Activities Week held at the end of Term One. During this time the Year 8s travelled to Alexandra Headland for a four‐day Orientation Camp. The Year 9s undertook a Wilderness Camp at Glastonbury Recreational Park, some 15 minutes north of Gympie in the Brooyar State Forest where the boys build rafts, abseil, navigate, rock climb and ride mountain bikes. A large feature of this camp was focussed on the development of teams and team‐work. The Year 10s spent four days at Coolum Beach where they embarked on a Surf Camp, whilst the Year 11s stayed in Toowoomba and participated in an Australian Business Week simulation. In this activity the boys were involved in the running of a hypothetical manufacturing company (through a computer simulation). They made decisions on production levels and pricing, prepared television advertisements, a trade display, a company report and presented oral presentations to shareholders. The aim of the programme, whilst business based, was to develop teamwork and leadership amongst our Year 11s. Finally, the Year 12s benefited from a “Survival for Bachelors” programme (doing some cooking, sewing and ironing), attending a defensive driving course and completing a firstaid qualification.

The Year 7 boys flew to Canberra, the Year 6 boys visited Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast and the boys in Years 4 and 5 camped at a property near Gore, which is owned by a Grammar Junior family. The Year 3 boys camped for one night within the grounds of Grammar Junior and this proved to be a very gentle way for many boys to begin this experience of a night away from home.

Pastoral Care and Personal Development

Many independent schools use the term ‘Pastoral Care’ in their literature and day‐to‐day activity. We use this term to describe the process by which a school seeks to know, to understand and to care for each individual student. The desired end result is for each boy to

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 20

have a positive self‐image, be respected, valued, be “connected” to the School and feel safe and secure in a happy learning environment in accordance with the school motto “Fidelis in Omnibus” (Faithful in all Things). Every member of staff, whether in a teaching or nonteaching role, has some pastoral care responsibility in that we want to get to know the boys and support them in any positive endeavour in which they are involved.

The primary agents of the Pastoral Care programme are the Housemasters and Mentors. Through the House system the school has developed numerous strategies for our staff to engage the students. For each year level an overriding theme has been established. These are for Year 8, “Getting to Know the School and Yourself”; for Year 9 “Interacting With Others”; Year 10 “Making the Right Choices”; Year 11 “Preparing for Year 12”; and Year 12 “The Final Countdown”.

At the conclusion of all the formal academic classes for Year 12 we offered the young men a four‐day programme designed to have them together, for the last time as a cohesive group, to confront key issues regarding their personal safety and personal development and to have fun. We regarded this as our final opportunity to be with our school leavers, to thank them for their contribution to the School and to counsel them in matters of immense importance such as driver and passenger safety and so on.

Physical Education

The School has been proud of its large number of boys who have achieved representative honours in their respective sports. This has been at district, state and national level.

District Honours have been extended to boys in the following sports – athletics (19 in number), cricket open (1), cricket Under 14 (8), cross country (1), volleyball (2), golf (2), tennis (3), swimming (5), open soccer (4), Under 15 soccer (5), Under 15 Australian Rules football (2), orienteering (5), Under 15 rugby (9), Under 15 basketball (2), rugby league (1) and hockey (4).

In addition, one of our boys represented Queensland in the National Futsal Championships and two boys were selected in an Australian Under 14 Futsal team. A student was also selected in the Queensland Reds Rugby Under 16 merit team and another gained admission to the Under 16 and Under 17 Queensland volleyball training squad. Representation also included the Under 14 state soccer team and the Under 15 Queensland hockey team. We are proud to have these students with such sporting ability attend our school. By their presence and involvement they “raise the bar” for other students in their own performance. Talented athletes also display their self determination and personal commitment in developing their skills and these positives are observed and passed on to others.

Some key highlights included: • Our team was victorious in winning the Grand Final of the Darling Downs Independent Schools’ Cup AFL • In the annual O’Callaghan Cup rugby union fixture against Downlands College, the First XV had a pleasing win with a 22 – 10 result. • This year our 1st XI won the Parents and Friends’ Soccer Cup against Downlands College for the seventh year in succession.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 21

4.3 Society

Objectives:

Our students to become more aware of the needs and circumstances of others.

Outcomes:

Community Service

In recent years we have seen a greater commitment from our boys in terms of community service. This has always been part of the School’s philosophy of service but it is clearly apparent that more boys are keen to contribute a greater proportion of their time to promote the welfare of others. It is purely conjecture but possibly this growth in community service and the spirit of “giving back” has emerged from our participation in the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp which is now in its third year here.

This year the camp was held at the School for three days at the end of Term Three and was attended by 31 disabled children. The children were cared for by 33 of our senior boys, together with 11 girls from The Glennie School, 17 girls from Fairholme College, ten staff from Toowoomba Grammar School and parent volunteers. In discussion with the boys attending the camp as to what skills they developed, a common response was tolerance, patience and placing the needs of others above their own. The students were responsible for the care of their guests twenty‐four hours a day and, with the assistance of the adults, their duties included getting the children showered, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, being fed and getting ready for bed. Every minute of every day was devoted to caring for the visiting children and for some of our students the camp was regarded as a life‐changing experience.

Further contributions to community service included multiple charitable fund‐raising events. Many of the boys were involved in door knocking the local community to raise money for charities such as the Endeavour Foundation, the Guide Dogs, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, the Leukaemia Foundation and many more. Some Houses sponsored needy children overseas and responded immediately and effectively to disasters both nationally and internationally. An impressive act of giving is demonstrated by the boys raising money every year to completely finance the employment of a teacher in a Nepalese school.

An outline of the community service activities of one House in the Senior School serves to illustrate the boys’ commitment to the welfare of others. A group of our Year 9, 10 and 11 Mackintosh House boarders visited Rockville State Primary School in Toowoomba every Wednesday afternoon, following classes, throughout the school year. This school has a high proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and our students have spent time interacting with approximately 25 of these boys in this primary school. On these visits our Grammar boys took food with them, cooked a barbecue and organised and participated in the playing of games with the younger children. The Principal of Rockville State Primary School is extremely pleased with the positive influence and role modelling style of behaviour our boys had on her students and their engagement in productive, healthy activity. The dayboys in

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 22

Mackintosh House were also busy with between 10 and 15 of them visiting residents in the TriCare Aged Care facility; having a chat, playing chess or cards or playing music.

4.4 Finance and Infrastructure

Objectives:

• To maintain income at least at a level which will meet all operating (recurrent) expenditure including interest on loans. • To ensure that general capital replacements are funded from annual cash flows. • To maintain a level of debt that will not expose the School to financial risk in poor market conditions.

Outcomes:

Buildings

In accordance with the Schools’ stated aims in relation to infrastructure, the construction of a new Aquatic Centre was commenced in January and is due for completion in April 2010. This $10.75 million project will comprise two indoor heated swimming pools (the main pool and the learn‐to‐swim pool).

Developments around the Junior School during the course of the year included an expansion of the staff administration and common room areas. This extension of the Junior School staff room and additional offices have provided much improved facilities for the staff. This included a proper office for the Deputy Head of the Junior School, along with a Sportsmaster’s office. A Music and Drama room was also created with some significant redevelopment of the bottom floor of Corfe House and new playground equipment was added in the Prep to Year 2 playground.

Technology

In 2008 when the Headmaster was on Sabbatical, he visited several Preparatory Schools in the United Kingdom. Many of these primary schools were using Interactive White Boards as part of the regular teaching and learning programme. The view was taken that this technology was well suited to educating our students. The Junior school has taken a very measured approach to the introduction of Interactive White Boards. Our class teachers and specialist teachers were all subsequently involved in the decision making process, examining different products, software and professional development support. This research was led by the Junior School’s Information Communications Technology Committee. We now have Interactive White Boards installed in Years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 classrooms. The aim is to have these in all Junior School classrooms for 2010.

Financial Management

In 2009 the School has continued to maintain its strong financial position whilst commencing the construction of the largest project seen at the School for some years. The ability to be able

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 23

to undertake this project whilst still maintaining a healthy surplus is a result of sound financial management and astute strategic planning.

The sound financial position can only be achieved with strong enrolment demand. All revenue raised is reinvested into staffing and infrastructure and to meet all our ongoing operating expenditure including interest on loans.

Key results from 2009 include: • 35.5% of the School’s revenue is from Government funding • Staff salaries and on‐costs accounted for 64.5% of the School’s total expenses • 9.9m was invested in the capital expenditure programme of the School • Borrowings at 31 December 2009 stood at 3.2m • Loan repayments of $657,000 were made during the year • Operating surplus in 2009 was $2,653,498 compared to $1,862,540 in 2008 • Debt per student at 31 December 2009 was $3,306 which is well within industry standards • Our Working Capital ratio decreased to 4.7 times as compared to 6 times in 2008. This is reflected in the increase of the reinvestment ratio to 221% from 49.8% in 2008. 10000000

9000000 Operating Expenditure

8000000

7000000

6000000 2005 5000000 2006 4000000 2007

3000000 2008 2009 2000000

1000000

0 Tuition‐Salaries & Tuition ‐ Other Boarding Salaries Boarding ‐ Other Admin & General Admin & General On‐Costs ‐ & On‐Costs ‐ Salaries & On‐ ‐ Other Costs

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 24

Income

Our total revenue increased by 9.5% over 2008. Our Tuition Fees were increased by 6.5% and our Boarding Fees were increased by 5%. Our government grant income increased by 6.2% over the 2008 grants.

During the year our Parents’ and Friends’ Association donated $143,188 for capital projects and the School was the recipient of $852,140 worth of grants from the Independent Schools Queensland Block Grant Authority. The Scholarship and Bursary Fund received a donation of $540,000 in 2009.

12,000,000

10,000,000

8,000,000 2005 6,000,000 2006 4,000,000 2007 2008 2,000,000 2009 0 School Fees Other Government Income Grants

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 25

4.5 Future Direction

4.5.1 Boarding

One of the objectives of the School, as expressed in the School’s Strategic Plan, is for Toowoomba Grammar School to be regarded as the premier boarding school for boys in northern New South Wales and throughout Queensland. Whilst many other boarding schools have experienced a decline in boarding numbers, our School is increasing its boarding strength.

Next year the School will be enrolling an additional twenty boarders beyond our current maximum capacity. This occurs at a time when the existing Boarding Houses are all full and, to accommodate this increased demand for boarding spaces in 2010, the School will return the Corfe building (which currently has two Year 6 classrooms on the ground floor) exclusively to boarding. In addition, the School’s Strategic Plan allows for the construction of a new boarding building within the Senior School. At this time, architectural plans for the new boarding building (including two or more boarding houses) are being prepared but a specific time frame has yet to be finalised by the Board of Trustees.

The School’s continuing commitment to Boarding extends beyond the proposed construction of a new building. It is also reflected in staffing initiatives, with money being allocated to the employment of a full‐time Resident Supervisor for Groom and Stephens House. This appointment increases the quality of care for, and supervision of, boarders in these Houses. The School’s Board of Trustees may also consider, subject to budgetary constraints, the appointment of additional boarding staff in the future.

4.5.2 Building Projects

Junior School

With the assistance of the Governments’ Building the Education Revolution the School will commence in January 2010 an extension to our Junior School, effectively doubling the size of the physical building space. We anticipate that this project will be completed by the end of 2010.

Gymnasium

The School’s Board of Trustees are also working hard towards realizing the commencement of a further major project. This is an extension to the Trenerry Gymnasium by doubling its size to create a further indoor court and including other significant enhancements to the building. At present we are hoping that the construction of the extension to the Gymnasium can commence late in 2010.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 26

4.5.3 Digital Education Revolution

As a result of the Government’s Digital Education Revolution the Board has agreed to proceed to implement a School Laptop Programme to commence in the second half of 2010. During Term 1 and 2 next year the staff will develop a programme to ensure the success of this initiative.

4.5.4 A Commitment to Boys’ Education

A key feature of the operation of the School is our specialisation in the area relating to boys’ education. The stated vision of the School is “to provide a quality education designed for boys”. Through experience, research and professional development, the staff are highly knowledgeable about how boys best learn, the curriculum content which interests them, what motivates them and how their self esteem impacts directly on their success. With each year of teaching, the staff see the various developmental stages of our boys first‐hand and are therefore able to understand their manner. Furthermore, we place the happiness of each boy as a very high priority and seek to achieve an environment in which he feels a valued part of the school community so that, in turn, he may develop and maintain significant pride in his school and its history. The School will continue to actively seek to develop this area of specialisation to the benefit of all of our boys.

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 27

5. APPENDICES

Appendix 1 ‐ Staff Organisational Chart Appendix 2 ‐ 2009 Annual Financial Statements

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 28

APPENDIX 1

STAFF ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Toowoomba Grammar School – Report to the Minister for Education and Training 2009 29

T.G.S. STAFF ORGANISATIONAL BOARD of TRUSTEES CHART 2009

HEADMASTER

CHIEF FINANCIAL DEPUTY OFFICER HEADMASTER

HEAD DIRECTOR DIRECTOR of DIRECTOR of DIRECTOR of “GRAMMAR of PASTORAL SPORT and DEVELOPMENT JUNIOR” STUDIES CARE ACTIVITIES and ENROLMENTS BUSINESS MANAGER HEADS OF HOUSEMASTERS DEPTS. COUNSELLOR

TEACHERS TEACHERS PROPERTY HOUSE FINANCE MENTORS MENTORS MANAGER MANAGER ADMINISTRATOR COACHES COACHES

SCHOOL GROUNDS SERVICES AIDES AIDES OFFICERS STAFF STAFF

APPENDIX 2

2009 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30

Toowoomba Grammar School 24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba Qld 4350 PO Box 2900 Toowoomba Qld 4350 2009 ANNUAL REPORT ABN: 86 510 299 250 – CRICOS REGISTRATION No. 00525D TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING