Junior School Education

Junior School Education By Mr Scott Campbell, Head of Junior School, April 2004 – April 2022

For my final Omnibus article, I have been asked to reflect a little upon the past 18 years of my time as Head of Junior School. The Junior School has grown and developed over

this time, as has the entire School, P–12.

When I commenced in my role in April 2004, the Junior School had a student population of 190 boys from Years 1 to 7. There were ten classes in total, including composite classes. There was no hall, the library was in a single classroom with no librarian, nor were there any music rooms or an art room. The approach was quite different to the broader offerings now available to the boys in terms of deep pastoral care, educational programs, music, clubs and an array of sports. Over the past 18 years, I am pleased to have played a role in developing the approach to educating the boys, both in a pastoral manner and with the educational offerings. Central to my approach has been the care of primary school children, treating boys in a kind and respectful manner and expecting this approach from all our staff. I am of the firm belief that respect from children has to be earned, not demanded, and this includes the ability to listen to boys and understand them. This is central to gaining their respect and guiding them towards their best efforts with behaviour, their learning, and their involvement and achievement in all areas of school, including music, sport, the creative arts and technology.

During my time, I was involved with the addition of the Prep Year in 2005. Following this addition, the Building the Education Revolution (BER) financial stimulus in response to the GFC in 2008 resulted in well over $4 million being spent on Junior School

developments. This resulted in eight new classrooms, our hall, music studio, library, makerspace, and art and woodwork room. Other aspects of our School that have been added during my time include the development of a reading-centric culture, Book Week, the Twilight Concert, Outdoor Education, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts, parent seminars, a rich and broad Music program, Junior School musicals and the development of sports programs.

However, it is not buildings, events or activities that are the most important achievements. What I am most proud of is the way boys are valued, the way in which they are understood and the way in which they are educated. This involves a large team of people: class teachers, specialist teachers, teacher aides and administrative staff. It has been my privilege to lead a team of Junior School staff members, many of whom, over this extended time frame, have approached their work with a deep commitment to the boys, a passion for their profession and long hours of dedicated work.

During my teaching career, I have worked for six Headmasters across four all-boys schools in New South Wales and Queensland. I had the privilege of working for Mr Peter Hauser, Toowoomba Grammar School’s 15th Headmaster, for nearly 17 of my 18 years. I greatly appreciate his interest in, and support of, all aspects of the Junior School. Our substantial growth and development are so much due to him. I will forever value his professional and personal support and friendship. Since the start of 2021, I have had the honour of working for Dr John Kinniburgh, our current Headmaster. The School is moving into its next stage of growth and development under his guidance, as our community should expect with a change of Headmasters. I have appreciated Dr Kinniburgh’s support and assistance during this time, and I wish him every success as our School’s 16th Headmaster.

I wish to acknowledge, thank and honour my Leadership Team in the Junior School. Mr Mike Sharpe has been Deputy Head since 2008 and has worked at TGS for the past 19 years. His calm, thoughtful and compassionate approach adds a character to our School that is beyond measure. I thank Michael for his wonderful support, for his long friendship, and classify him as a prince among men. Our School is a better place because of his presence.

I also thank the other two members of my Leadership Team, Mrs Amy Casey, Coordinator Years 4 to 6, and Mrs Jess Galbraith, Coordinator Prep to Year 3. Both women are seriously good people, care deeply about the boys at our School and are superb educators and female role models in an all-boys’ school. Their wisdom, support and friendship are deeply appreciated.

In addition, my appreciation goes to Mrs Karen Miller, my secretary, Mrs Rhonda Hannant, our Junior School receptionist and administrative assistant, and Mrs Liz Pratt, our sports admin assistant. These three ladies play a vital role in the Junior School. They ensure staff, parents and boys are supported, and our School operates in an organised, calm and professional manner. I very much value their work and the way in which they support big people and the smaller ones, the boys.

It is appropriate to acknowledge a great many parents I have met over such an extended time frame, particularly those who have played such a significant role with their involvement in the School. The current leadership of the Junior School Supporters’ Group, with Mrs Bliss Bierhoff as President, Ms Tessa Chamberlain as Treasurer and previously as Vice President, and Dr Felicity Constable as Secretary, is in safe and optimistic hands. I thank these three ladies for their contributions over a number of years, along with Mr Luke Cavanagh, who until recently played an important role as well. Our School will always be a better place as a result of the involvement of parents.

Our School exists to educate boys, and this is at the heart of all that we undertake. I thank the boys for their positive energy, their determination and their ability to see the joy in school life, despite being challenged by such adverse times as a result of COVID-19.

I wish the School community, boys, staff and parents every success and happiness for all the future holds.

Scan to learn more

about the Junior School at TGS