Next Week @TC

10/03/2023

• Library Drive - Week 8

• School Photo Catch Up Day - Tuesday

• Student Parent Teacher Interviews Bookings

• NAPLAN Logistics

• End of Term 1 / Beginning of Term 2 Arrangements

• TCNEWS - Peer Support Program

Library Drive

School Photo Catch Up Day - Tuesday

The school photo catch up day is this Tuesday. Photos will be taken from 8:15 - 10:00 in the Sports Centre. Those students who missed them will have an event on their compass.

Student Parent Teacher Interviews Bookings

These will open on Tuesday through Compass. You will receive an email letting you know when they are available to book. Please note that we will have a few staff out on one of the days due to our Entry Camp running. This will be clear when you go to book, but please bear in mind that some staff will have limited availability.

The dates of the Student Parent Teacher Interviews for Semester 1 are:

Option 1: Friday 24th March - onsite - 8:30 am - 3pm
Option 2: Monday 27th Mach - online - 10:30 - 6pm

For those new to this, bookings will be made through Compass. We will let you know when this is available. It is “first in, best dressed”. Semester 1 only meets with subject teachers, not Connect mentors.

NAPLAN Logistics

As you will be aware, NAPLAN is taking place next week in S Wing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Students have the times for sitting this on their Compass. The timings of the tests are:

Weds

• Period 1 Year 7 Writing

• Period 2 Year 7 Reading

• Period 3 Year 9 Writing

Thursday

• Period 1 Year 9 Reading

• Period 2 Year 9 Langauge conventions

• Period 3 Year 7 Langauage conventions

• Period 4 Catch up Writing

Friday

• Period 1 Year 7 Numeracy

• Period 2 Year 9 Numeracy

• Period 3 Catch up Reading

Our Entry and FLE2 students were shown how to access the tests today in Connect in preparation for the tests. All students have an app on their desktop called NAP 23. We will be running a practice session with our Entry Students on Tuesday afternoon to help acclimatise ahead of Wednesday.

Please find below two resources. One is from the Department of Education on why students should sit NAPLAN, the other one is information collated on supporting students through stressful times.

End of Term 1 / Beginning of Term 2 Arrangements

Last day of term 1 - Thursday 6th April. Classes finish at normal time.

Monday 24th April - Student Free Staff Professional Development Day

Tuesday 25th April - Public Holiday

Wednesday 26thApril - Term 2 First Day for Students - Classes run as normal on this day.

Peer Support Program

At TC, the Peer Support Program is when students who have been at TC for a year or more help our new Entry students succeed in their transition to high school. In small groups, Peer Support Leaders act as a mentor and work with an Entry connect class, running sessions that focus on how to build positive relationships with others. Part of their role also includes attending Entry Camp for a day, encouraging participation at Community events, and generally being a friendly face! It’s a fantastic leadership opportunity for students who become peer support leaders. 

The Peer Support leaders are all student volunteers wanting to make a positive impact on their TC community. To become a leader, all they needed to do was put their name down, and then attend two training sessions. The first training session focused on building communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills, and the other looked more at the practicalities of what the actual support sessions are and how to run them with the Entry groups. These sessions ensure of leaders are well prepared to take on this responsibility and confident in their abilities to be great mentors.

The leaders are also supported by Leija Harman. As a Peer Support Program Coordinator she "ran both training sessions with the peer support leaders as well as offers ongoing support as they implement the program". This means staying in regular contact with the peer support leaders, checking in with them, and offering a recess time where peer support leaders can come and discuss the upcoming peer support lesson.

Here, I asked some of our Peer Support Leaders about the upcoming sessions. Read on.

Why did you apply for the role?

Kate: I applied for The Peer Support role as I found, when I started as an Entry, it was really stressful and intimidating. I want help Entries settle in and feel welcome and comfortable with our school!

Samara: When I was in entry, the peer support leaders then really helped me find friends, so I want to help the entries do the same thing. 

Imogen: I continued my involvement with the program for the second year because I love being able to help the entries adjust to TC and I'm able to relate to how they are feeling as entries as I was an entry once too and I can understand the changes with transitioning! I love being able to work with new people, expand my leadership skills and to challenge myself with a rewarding outcome.

Jessica: TC is a great place to be part of long-lasting and unique change, and students are always encouraged to speak up, voice their opinions, and be part of ideas. I believe that being a part of the leadership team is one of the great ways in which individuals can initiate projects and connect with others who share similar interests and goals.

So far, what is your favourite part of the program?

Samara: All the training sessions because I have gotten to meet new people and learn so much! 

Jessica: I love that the main idea of peer support is about being kind: developing ourselves and others as kind and empathetic people, using every chance to brighten someone's day and just simply being there for them. Peer support is awesome as it encourages everyone to look out for each other, helps everyone feel welcomed and builds a close-knit community network.

Odin:  Definitely the students. Spending time with our Entry students has always been of value to me as I wish I had a bit more support when I was an Entry myself. Talking to these bright young minds and hearing [about] their interests and aspirations is the reason why I love this program. 

What are you hoping to gain from the program?

Jessica: I am hoping that being part of the peer support program will help me become more confident and proactive, enabling me to have a greater ability to be a caring leader for my fellow peers. For example, when we see someone hurt or upset, we always feel good when we go over and help them rather than ignoring their situation out of fear or so-called 'normal' behaviour. It is always best to have an open, growth mindset, ready and willing to develop ourselves to reach our potential and use our skills and our abilities to make our community a better place.

Odin:  I’d like it to hone my leadership skills as well as increase my range of social ability, being able to speak and relate to any age is something I pride myself on, and I only plan to improve. 

Can you give me an example of a hypothetical situation that you could resolve with the knowledge you have gained from peer support training? 

Imogen: Through our practice scenarios we have learnt how we can approach difficult situations for example if students begin to have heated disagreements it's about how we can diffuse the situation if need be. To acknowledge that people will have different beliefs/opinions. Overall I can't wait for Peer Support to commence in Term 2!   

Jessica: In Peer Support, we have learned that there are many different leadership types and none is better than the other. When running an event (e.g. a community event or a connect-based activity) or upon encountering a problem (a friend is struggling from nasty comments being posted online) there are various ways in which we can approach problems. Many things never go to plan, so it is always good to be flexible, act accordingly on the spot and under pressure, and not be too stuck with a certain way of doing things, and if things don't go the way we wanted them - it is totally fine to adjust.

What is a piece of advice you would give to students who are interested in becoming a Peer Support leader, next year?

Millyca: Do it, sign up! You don't need any experience to become a leader the only thing you need is to sign up and go to the training, be positive and enthusiastic and it is easily possible. You will be supported from the start to the end of your journey as a peer support leader by very friendly and kind people.

This program is such a great opportunity for anyone interested in leadership. Good luck to all Peer Support Leaders who will be starting their sessions next term!

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

Last Week’s Announcements

• Unleased Music Concert

• Robotics Trivia Night

• Student Parent Teacher Interviews Semester 1

• 2023 Entry Camp

UNLEASH – U18 gigs by youth for youth in Manningham Shire - FRI MARCH 17

Templestowe College presents UNLEASH – a series of U18 gigs featuring local bands and guest headline artists. Supported by Manningham Council’s Arts and Community Grants program, UNLEASH aims to provide a safe alcohol, drug, and vape free environment for young bands to connect and share their music with friends and young audiences from around Manningham.

Beginning on Fri March 17, incredible headline artist The Crookeds will be joined by Controlled Chaos (TC), Tappet (TC), Pizza Ace (DSC), Off Switch (DSC), and Hash Browns (TC). There’ll be food and soft drinks as well as merch available on the night.

FRI MAR 17
TEMPLESTOWE COLLEGE SPORTS CAGE
6-9pm

Strictly limited tickets available: https://www.trybooking.com/CGHJF

Any enquiries, please contact: RGR@tc.vic.edu.au

2023 Entry Camp

Information has been emailed to our Entry families in regards to this years camp. The dates are:

Camp 1 – Monday to Wednesday (20th-22nd March) – Red and Green Community – Departing TC at 8:45am sharp on 20th March
Camp 2 – Wednesday to Friday (22nd – 24th March) – Blue and Gold Community – Departing TC at 8:15am sharp on 22nd March

Please read the email for more information

Previous Weeks Announcements

• STOPIT Service

• Parents/Carers Facebook Group

• FAQ re Early Leavers Process

• Pet of the Day Policy - Slight Update

• Parents on Site

• 2023 School Council Elections

• Change to leaving early in a day process

• Manningham Youth Newsletter

• Templestowe College Annual Secondary School Immunisation Program - Collection Statement

STOPIT service

The following is a Victoria Police initiative:
STOPIT is a new Victoria Police text notification service enabling commuters, including school students, to report any form of inappropriate behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened on the public transport network.

The STOPIT service enables commuters to use their mobile phone to promptly, easily and discreetly report inappropriate behaviours.

To use the service, commuters simply text ‘STOPIT’ to 0499 455 455. This triggers an automated response that includes a link to where the commuter can provide more details about what’s just happened.

When people report these types of inappropriate behaviours, police can investigate and identify offenders to improve safety on public transport for everyone.

Parents and carers are encouraged to consider discussing the new service with students who travel on public transport. Students who use mobile phones outside of school hours are encouraged to save the STOPIT number in their mobile phone.

Please note, STOPIT is for reporting non-urgent incidents on public transport. Always phone 000 in an emergency.

For more information, refer to sexual and anti-social behaviour on public transport on the Victoria Police website.

Parents/carers facebook group

TC has an active parents/carers facebook page, run by parents for parents. Promoting a safe space for parents and carers of students at Templestowe College to share information online, the group celebrates school achievements, keeps up to date with school events, and more.

To join please follow this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/templestowecollegeparentcarersgroup/ all members will be confirmed by a school staff member, please ensure you answer the requested questions to join.

FAQ re Early Leavers Process

Last week I posted about the new Early Leavers Process. Students who wish to leave before the end of the school day for an appointment etc must follow the new process, which comes into effect from Week 5 (Monday 20th February)

Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions from the week:

Q: When do I need to go through the Early Leavers Pass process?
A: For when you have a one-off appointment where you will need to leave school early. 

Q: When do I get the pink Early Leavers Pass?
A: At break time earlier in the day than when you will need to leave. 

Q: What are the ways I can verify that I’m allowed to leave?
A: Parent Compass approval, physical note, parent voicemail to CET, parent email to CET (otherwise office staff will need to call home to get approval) 

Q: If I am leaving during a recess or lunch do I need to get a pink Early Leavers Pass?
A: No, you just need to make sure to sign out of the main office and the office staff will verify that you have approval to leave (see above).

Q: Do I need an Early Leavers Pass if I am going to a school meeting, Wellbeing session, Music class or other school event.
A: No. 

Q: If I am a Grad and I wish to be offsite during a study period do I need an Early Leavers Pass.
A: No. 

Q: If I have VET and need to leave early on Wednesdays, do I need an Early Leavers Pass.
A: No, this program will already be entered on your Compass timetable as an approved absence. 

Please look at last week’s post for the full process. If you have any questions about these or other attendance processes please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Katrina Katz – Assistant Principal – Community and Wellbeing
kkat@tc.vic.edu.au 

Pet of the Day Policy - Slight Update

We have made a slight update to our pet of the day policy. Changes include who pet of the day is booked in with, as well as that dogs must be kept on lead whilst at school. The policy can be found here.

Parents on Site

Please note that in line with ChildSafe policies, parents cannot enter school grounds without first signing in at the front office. This includes entering S Wing. It is imperative that we keep our students safe by knowing exactly who is on site at any time. You will then need to wear the badge provided by the front office when you have signed in.

Changes to Leaving Early in a day Process

Students who wish to leave before the end of the school day for an appointment etc must follow the new process, which comes into effect from Week 5 (Monday 20th February):

1. Student goes to the front office or CET offices sometime in the morning

2. They will need to show that you have approval to leave early:

• Parent has already approved on Compass

• Parent has left a voicemail or email with CET

• The student brings a parent note with them

3. If they don’t have any of these, office staff will ring home to confirm that the student has approval to leave early

4. The student will then receive a pink Early Leavers Pass. This will have their name, the date and time when they need to leave and will be signed and stamped by office staff.

5. Later in the day, when it is time for the student to leave, they will present the Early Leavers Pass to their class teacher.

6. The teacher will then dismiss them from class.

7. They will sign out at the main office via the Compass Kiosk and leave the Early Leavers Pass at reception

If you have any questions about this or other processes to do with attendance please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Katrina Katz – Assistant Principal – Community and Wellbeing
kkat@tc.vic.edu.au

Templestowe College Annual Secondary School Immunisation Program - Collection Statement

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines to help make sure students and communities are protected from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal A, C, W, Y. 
Local councils deliver the program and schools distribute the information and consent forms.
The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 authorises secondary schools to provide their local council with student and parent/guardian contact information for any student scheduled to receive a vaccination. This information assists local councils to follow-up parents/guardians of students with incomplete or missing consent forms.
Every day vaccination saves lives and makes it possible for Victorians to live free from the illness and disability caused by many infectious diseases. All Year 7 and Year 10 Victorian secondary students can receive these vaccines for free.
TC Immunisation Program 2023 Dates
Manningham council nurses will be here at 8.50am on the below days:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) – one vaccine for entry students this will be held at TC on Friday, 31 March 2023.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – two doses for entry students – first dose will be held at TC on Friday, 31 March 2023.

• Meningococcal ACWY for FLE 3 (Year 10) will be held on Friday, 31 March 2023

• Parents/guardians of entry and FLE3 (Year 10) students should receive their child’s vaccination consent card booklet via the mail which will posted out in January 2023. If you have not received your consent card booklet the General Office has spare copies or email Donna Smith dsm@tc.vic.edu.au for another consent card.

What information goes to local council?
Schools provide the following basic student and parent/guardian contact information:

• Student name, gender, date of birth, year level, class, language(s) spoken at home

• Parent/guardian names, phone numbers, email and postal addresses

Why do schools provide this information?

• To ensure all eligible students are offered the opportunity to access free vaccinations at school.

• To improve communication with parents/guardians regarding their child’s vaccination needs.

• To reduce the administrative burden on school staff to follow-up consent forms.

What do I need to do?

1. Your information will be provided to Manningham Council in February. If you do not wish for your details to be provided, please advise the school in writing before 17th February 2023.

2. Read the information provided in your child’s consent form booklet and complete all sections, regardless of whether or not you consent for your child to be vaccinated as part of the school immunisation program.

3. Detach Part A of the consent form with all fields completed and return to school. If you have not already done so.

Regards,
Donna Smith
Health centre

Previous TC NEWS Articles

Hedwig the Chicken

Last Friday, some of our Animals' students collaborated with environmental leaders Andy, Eloise and Abram at our neighbouring primary school, Templestowe Heights! It started last week when the observant Abram noticed Hedwig, their silky, five-month-old, white chicken shivering and recalled the same thing had happened to one of his chickens shortly before it passed away. Together, the Environmental Leaders further investigated and found that Hedwig was not eating or drinking any of her food or water and wouldn't move.

Hedwig's home was started six years ago and made with the help of TC students. The primary school designed the pen and paid TC students $1000 to build the coop. It has housed Templestowe Height's resident chickens ever since. While assembling the pen, TC also donated six chickens and now Shadow is the only remaining of the original six.

At first, Eloise and the team thought Hedwig may not be eating because she didn't want to eat in front of the other chickens, in case they took her food. So they moved the other chickens from her, but still, she didn't eat.

Elected by their student body, the Environmental Leaders then sprung into action and called for help from their Principal, Mr Coulson. On Friday morning, Mr Coulson called our Principal Peter Ellis and asked for support for the unwell chicken and to have the chicken checked out. At TC, we have experienced students in the Animals program who are taught to lead and teach fellow students. Peter then got into contact with Kate Meehan, one of our Animals leaders, who arranged for three of our students, Violet, Ye Ling and Imogen, to head over to the school during their lunchtime along with one of our Assistant Principals, Darren.  

The group made their way to the primary school to perform a health check and assessment on the chicken. Our leaders showed Andy, Eloise and Abram what to look for when we do a health check, and some of the signs they need to look out for by asking questions such as "how long has the chicken appeared unwell for" and "the behaviour of the chicken since she first appeared unwell ". TC leaders assessed the area where the chickens were kept and made some observations, about her behaviour.

After much time spent observing Hedwig's behaviour, the students concluded that she was dehydrated and her broodiness may just be a personality trait. Imogen recalls that the younger leaders explained: "how the chicken didn't go to her water bowls very often [and that] the younger leaders were extremely helpful in making our knowledge of the chicken very informative, making our job a lot easier!" Ye Ling's favourite part of this experience would be seeing how "passionate the students were, how well respected our Animals' Program is and [seeing] a new generation of great kids to continue providing animals with the best care we can give."

From the TC leaders, Andy learnt that it is best to put a bit of water with Hedwig's food to help hydrate her, soften her food and grow her appetite. Eloise's favourite part was learning from our students how to help Hedwig and other animals. This includes isolating the animals and bringing them indoors in their own pen or enclosure to monitor them more closely, check their faeces, and ensure they do not have any problems with accessing food and water. This ensures that they can receive timely veterinary attention as needed. 

This was such a heart warming story and a great example of the strong relationship between Templestowe College and Templestowe Heights Primary School.

Special Thanks to Mr Coulson and environmental leaders Abram, Andy and Eloise.

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

The Week That Was

This week marks 'A BREATH OF FRESH AIR', Term 1's community-integrated learning (CIL) theme (you can read more in last week's article here). We had some amazing weather for the week’s activities, here are just a few I discovered.

Tuesday lunchtime our inner tree huggers were unleashed during History Club when we discovered more about the environment and the positive changes that people have made in the name of creating a safer, healthier planet. We learned about indigenous environmentalism, that knowledge of global warming began 200 years ago when Jean Baptiste Fourier calculated that the Earth’s atmosphere trapped heat like a greenhouse and more.

Thursday lunchtime was the main event this week! The Breath of Fresh Air community festival perfectly encapsulates what this CIL theme is all about by exploring the outdoors, being in nature, play, and exploring mental health. For Ryan, "it was a glorious sunny day and the central area around the canteen was buzzing with students and staff alike enjoying the activities! On the astroturf, there was a 3x3 community basketball competition run by our amazing student leaders. Duncan Sadler explains that "this year's Community Basketball was the biggest yet! We had 8 Community-based teams playing on four courts over three heats! Once this was completed we had a very intense "Shoot-out" where Communities were allowed five minutes to get as many shots in as possible, this was Fast and Furious. Special thanks to the students and staff who turned up and participated on behalf of their communities. This event was run by the Student Leadership team, led by Kate Dickenson and Chloe Mayson." Congrats to Green community for coming out on top!

There was a silent disco featuring our own DJ Rainsey. Students could tune into a disco set list from Rainsey or select a collaborative playlist that students had added to during the week to dance to!

Bike 'n blend smoothie bikes are a fan favourite at TC events and are hosted by the awesome Science team. The community made about 100 smoothie cups and students were peddling nonstop all of lunch. While students ride the gears rotate the blender! The VM students helped set up and taste the recipes and the Science staff ran the show throughout lunch.

Our Grads channelled 'A Breath of Fresh Air' with their Thursday Fun Theme days, dazzling in their 70s hippy costumes fit with flared pants and flower prints!

There were also multiple busking stations around the canteen featuring some of our awesome TC musos, Allara, Charlotte and Sky. Sky had a delightful experience busking outside the canteen, they performed lots of covers such as "Kiss" by Prince and "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift and a couple of their original songs such as "the loudest souls" which was recently released on streaming services. "Thank you so much to Ryan and everybody involved for giving me the opportunity it was really fun."

Roving performers were moving around and setting the atmosphere for the festival. Award-winning Aussie author Ailsa Wild, the creator of The Naughtiest Pixie and the hilarious Squishy Taylor series was also in costume as a roving ye olde poet!

For Ryan, it was "so special to see everyone come together to enjoy the festival. Thank you to everyone involved in the set-up, activities, participation, and pack-up. Events like this remind us that we are TC (Total Community)!"

It's been great to see the TC community take 'A Breath of Fresh Air' this week and I'm excited to see us all get involved in all the exciting activities, like the Pool Party and Animals Expo next week!

If you missed out on Connect TV's 'A Breath of Fresh Air' and 1st episode for 2023 featuring Clubs, The Buzz, and Culture Critics. You can watch it here with a TC stream login: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/9e9a9900-d0c4-4fa9-96bb-843f31125ee6?referrer=https:%2F%2Fstatics.teams.cdn.office.net%2F

Check out Sky's single “the loudest souls” here: https://linktr.ee/skylaratlas

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

A Breath of Fresh Air 🌬🌳

Welcome back to another jam-packed and thrilling year of creativity, connection, and Community! 'A BREATH OF FRESH AIR' is Term 1's community-integrated learning theme. As explained by Ryan Griffiths, 'A BREATH OF FRESH AIR' is all about "exploring the outdoors, being in nature, play, and exploring mental health. This theme brings together a range of topics that the TC Community of students, families, and staff felt were important." 

The coming weeks are stacked, with activities in all our subjects, as well as Community-based extravaganzas, like the Breath of Fresh Air festival at lunchtime on Thursday, the 23rd of February and whole school events like the annual Pool Party on Tuesday, the 28th of February. 

What to know more? Here are some of the awesome subject and community-based experiences happening this term:

THURS FEB 23 LUNCHTIME FESTIVAL - ALL WELCOME! 
CANTEEN & ASTROTURF AREA
Community Basketball
Silent disco
Bike n Blend smoothies
Costume parade
Live music

POOL PARTY Week 6 Tues Feb 28 - ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF! 

Ryan: An incredible day of swimming, sliding, live music, food, art, and community connections! As part of our 'Breath of Fresh Air' theme, all students and staff will head to Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre (139-153 Williamsons Rd) to join in the festival atmosphere of the day. Traditional swimming races will run alongside novelty events and Laps For Life charity swims. Face painting, water slides, photo booths, delicious street food, and bands all day long will top off a day of fun and friends. It is an unmissable day of the year and all students are encouraged to attend. 

Entry English – Short stories linked to the theme

Essential English – Outdoor poetry project

Essential English - Going outside and writing poetry in the outside world, have a grant to go further afield to do this

SYWTBAW – ‘Humanature’ poster short story project

Reading – Outdoor reading circles

Reading groups- will be doing their Reading Fluency Circles outdoors in CIL Week.

Pre-VCE English - 'Take a Breath' Mindfulness and breathing before their public speaking task. Aim to practice centring oneself and being mindful before doing big things.

Maths – Attention vs. sleep, heartbeat vs. mood ratings, air quality monitoring, measuring lung capacity

Science - Fire triangle, air purifiers, regeneration, air molecule models, Ruffy Creek cleanup,

Meg: In Entry Science and Maths, we are collecting air quality data with the CSIRO data loggers we have on loan. Students will collect the data in their Science classes and then analyse it by graphing it in Excel during their Maths classes. In Zoology and Ecology, we are heading out for a day trip to the Queenscliff Marine Sanctuary, where students can opt for snorkelling off the beach or taking a marine biology boat cruise. My Environmental Science class will be doing some nature mindfulness and thinking about the benefits of nature on health and wellbeing (these are known as ecosystem cultural services). 

Environmental Action Group – One person's trash is another person's treasure! A 'Swap, Don't Shop" event will be set up at the lunchtime festival and pool party. Bring in any clothes, shoes, or accessories that you no longer want or need and trade them for something new! They must be in clean condition (no underwear, please). Collection points will be located in the HUB and S-Wing all week. 

PE – Orienteering, meditation

DT – Magnetic fishing 

David: The activity is designed to allow students to explore the local area and salvage materials that can be recycled and reused in design projects. This activity promotes active outdoor learning and gives the students, a breath of fresh air. Students will have the opportunity to appreciate local nature and connect to caring for waterways.

Art – Positivity Community mural

Animals/Permaculture – Habitat planting

Kate: This activity will run across Reptiles, Feathers and Fur, Fish and Animal Industry Skills. Classes will be planting trees that can provide shade, food and enrichment for our animals in the animals/permaculture space. This activity will get students outdoors in the fresh air and show them how planting trees can have many benefits and that we can shape the landscape we live, work, and play on.

Music – Busking, Unleash All-Age gig (March 17)

Ryan: Unleash All, are free U18 gigs supported by Manningham Council's Community Grant fund. TC is excited to present a series of alcohol, drug, and vape-free gigs held outdoors in the Cage near the Sports Centre. The first gig will be held on Friday, March 17th. Featuring a bunch of TC bands like Controlled Chaos, Hash Browns, and Tappet alongside bands from Doncaster Secondary College and a special guest headline artist, this will be an excellent night of music, fun, and friends. Ticket links and other details will be released soon but for now, save the date!

Food & Baking – 'Farm to Fork' picnic project

Circus Club – Workshops and ‘Circus Spot’ excursion

Drama – Outdoor/Hidden theatre

Game Design – IRL game making

Sean: Our activity for CIL week is a lead-in activity to our Learning Task, which is to turn a video game into a real-world game. The main activity that will be running is a course for the students to try and play the game "Pac-man", on the Astro Turf. One student will play as Pac-man, running through a maze to collect tokens (cones), while four other players run around as ghosts trying to catch the player. One of the main takeaways from this activity will be the connection between simple real-world games, like tag and chasey, and how they can influence mechanics in video games. 

History Club – The History of Environmental Activism

Cassidy: History Club will be on Tuesday in C03 during lunchtime! Next week History Club will focus on the environment and the positive changes that people have made in the name of creating a safer, healthier planet. 

Legal Studies – Understanding Environmental Law

Humanities – Zen Garden guided meditation

Humanities classes in C-Wing will run guided mediation sessions at the start of each lesson in the Zen Garden located outside C-Wing, near C03 and C05! 

VM – Outdoor cooking project

VM ¾ - Sailing

Grad students will be on their Sailing excursion on the 23rd of Feb. 

Nikki: VM students will also be running events during the Pool Party. There will be nacho bowls for sale, novelty events running, face painting and temporary tattoos. There will also be a lap lane running all day for groups to enter a team of 8. Their teams will be tasked with swimming as many laps in their 15-minute time slot. The team with the most laps done in their time slot will win a prize. This forms part of our fundraising efforts for Laps For Life which focus on youth suicide prevention.

There will also be a Hot Cross Bun fundraiser, in conjunction with Macedon Square Bakers Delight. 

Entrepreneurship – Create a business idea focussed on mental health

James: In Entrepreneurship, students choose their own business. I would like to encourage students in CIL week to start a mental health or well-being-based business. [And getting them to think about] How could we encourage health and grow a business? How do we help our community and make a profit? 

Canteen – Brain Food Menu

On the menu are Berry bliss smoothies, Berry chia yoghurt parfaits, Hommus veg stick packs, Open lamb taco with lettuce, tomato, capsicum, tzatziki and Berry pancakes 🥞. Also, every day the canteen will have free cereal for breakfast and a special hot drink and a toasty cheese deal for $5.00!

Here is the key information you need to know about the pool party:

STUDENTS MEET AT TC AND GO TO THEIR CONNECT CLASS TO MARK THE ROLL BEFORE WALKING TO AQUARENA TOGETHER AS A GROUP. A BUS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WITH ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS.

GET YOUR CONSENT FORMS IN VIA COMPASS NOW!

So get your costumes ready for the pool party, get involved and enjoy ‘A BREATH OF FRESH AIR’!

Any questions or suggestions for future theme-based activities, please contact Ryan Griffith on Teams or email RGR@tc.vic.edu.au

Donations to laps for life in the lead-up to the event can be made via this link: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/templestowecollege

Students and staff can start getting their lap groups organised and then sign them up via the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1td9u31ChApPY66MeeFHAuWSNiOgeDBPQGtqoEMfcC90/edit

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

TC’s New Library 📚

If you've been to the canteen lately you may have noticed a bit of a transformation, well that huge empty space will be TC's new library! Over the coming year, the Library Working Club group will be working over Semester 1 to transform the space into a quiet, safe and welcoming area for students to use in Semester 2 and then turn it into more of a working library from 2024 onwards. Currently, the room is not operating as a library but is the home of the library committee meetings.

On Tuesday this week, I attended one of the Clubs' meetings. It was great to see staff and students collaborating on ideas about the design of the space. They discussed the idea of designated spaces like a 'switch off’ area and a ‘switch on and study’ space and the possibility of developing a borrowing system to get going in 2024. The group also considered funding for the space and individually designed how they thought the space should look and library must-haves like comfy chairs, power outlets, and of course, books!

On the importance of student voice on the project, Jed Catley believes that "a space developed by students is better personalised to the students. If individuals have a voice in how the space is created, it becomes more personalised to the students rather than the school, establishing a connection with this space and producing an environment that the majority of students will appreciate."

So how can you get involved? The Library Working Club is spending the next few weeks brainstorming ideas and is welcome to all students and staff. Keep your eyes peeled on teams for when the next meeting will occur or message Michelle Parker. The wider TC community can also get involved later in the year during the Library Drive. The club would "love to have as much community input and help as possible to get this massive project up and running" and will be asking for donations from the community for things such as furniture, pillows, plants, books, etc. More information will be available at the end of Term 1!

The library will be a great addition to TC. I can't wait to see what The Library Working Club does with the space!

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

Get to know your 2023 school captains!

What’s the last greatest TV show or movie you watched?
Chloe: The last movie I watched was Star Wars: A New Hope which happens to be my favourite movie!
Finn: Notting Hill, I love a good romcom!
Bonnie-Mai: I'm currently on season 13 of 24 of Law & Order: SVU and I loved Megan.

If aliens landed on earth tomorrow and offered to take you home with them, would you go?
Chloe: Yes, I would pretend to forget I was ever taught about stranger danger because I really want to go to space and see another planet!
Finn: For sure, I love a good adventure.
Bonnie-Mai: Yes, but only if they were from Pandora!

If you could be great at any Olympic sport, which would it be?
Chloe: Gymnastics! It looks super fun and I want to be able to do a flip without injuring myself.
Finn: Hockey, I've played since I was 6.
Bonnie-Mai: Synchronised Swimming because I love the costumes and it seems cool!

What's the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery today?
Chloe: A house on a farm so I could adopt lots of ducks, dogs, cats & sheep, that and a real-life R2-D2.
Finn: An investment property.
Bonnie-Mai: A bubble tea to celebrate!

If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Chloe: Jacinda Ardern, Albert Einstein or George Lucas.
Finn: The Gallagher brothers (Oasis) because it would be fun to see them talk!
Bonnie-Mai: Marie Antonette because she knew how to have a good time or Amelia Earhart because I want to know what happened! 

What was your favourite childhood board game/sport/activity?
Chloe: When I was 9, my teacher at school had this really cool card game called 'Frog Juice' and I loved to play basketball as a kid and still quite enjoy it now. 
Finn: Trouble! The noise would drive mum crazy!
Bonnie-Mai: Any card games but specifically 'Spit'.

What is your go-to comfort meal?
Chloe: Thai food or butter chicken from the Donny food court.
Finn: I'm an avid sushi fan!
Bonnie-Mai: A Hawaiian Pizza from Dominoes at the Pines. 

Back to School Tips!

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great summer break and got in some much-needed relaxation time. With a new school year comes new subjects, teachers and information. Although this is very exciting, it can be a lot to deal with so hopefully, these tips can alleviate some of that back-to-school anxiety and make the transition smoother. 

Stick your schedule inside your locker
This tip is great since everyone will have a brand-new schedule and we shouldn't be checking compass on our phones. 

Check compass before school 
Checking compass before school starts in case there is a room change or teacher change. Also, you can look at the TVs above A-Wing and B-Wing to see if there has been a change.

Make sure your parent or guardian can log in your absences properly. 

Check teams regularly
Most communication about community events, key dates, job opportunities and everything else happening at TC, will be posted on your community teams page. So make sure to check teams regularly to avoid missing out on anything essential!

Make sure to know who your points of contact are
This is super important because there is definitely going to be a time throughout the year when you will need to know who your points of contact are for things like IT, subject changes or any other questions. 

Keep a diary
My favourite tip is to keep a diary! It's crucial to make sure you're already on top of everything to start the school year off right. I would recommend colour coordinating as well. I use a pink pen for SACs or tests, a blue pen for community events and a purple pen for Homework. 

Stay Hydrated
This year one of my New Year's resolutions is to stay hydrated, so I decided to pick up a 2L water bottle from Kmart and carry it around with me everywhere! I have already noticed feeling more focused and aware throughout the day.  

Join a Club
There are so many great clubs to join at TC. There's a club running every day, and it's a great way to make new friends. Taylor Swift Fan Club is the best one (not biased at all) but, there is also History Club, Cheerleading Club, Chess Club and many many more. 

Wishing you all a successful year. You’ve got this!

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist