Next Week @TC

12/05/2023

• TC Principal Group - An Update

• Semester 2 Subject Confirmation

• Snow camp Expression of Interest

• Community Events Sign Up in SWING

• Laughs with Staff EPOSIDE 8

• TCNEWS - Community Integrated Learning - Living Culture

TC Principal Group – An Update 

Following on from the appointment of Adam Cribbes, our Director of Learning, to an acting Principal role at Thornbury High School, we have now moved through a process of appointing a replacement for Adam. 

We are pleased to announce that Wendy Gooley has been appointed to the acting Assistant Principal – Director of Learning role. 

There will be more in the next few weeks over what each persons role involves.

SEMESTER 2 SUBJECT CONFIRMATION

During week 4&5 (the next 2 weeks) student will have the opportunity to confirm the electives they wish to undertake in Semester 2. Time will be available in connect for students to log into the ILP and confirm or edit the electives they selected in 2023 course counselling. We understand that students tastes and preferences might have changed from August last year and this is am important step to take before we create the semester 2 timetable ready for the beginning of Term 3.

Community Events Sign Up in S Wing 

Students are encouraged to sign up for the lunchtime community events taking place over the rest of the term. Those on offer are Table tennis, Soccer, Music, Chess. These take place during lunchtimes, usually on a Thursday. The sign up sheets are found on the big whiteboard as you walk in to S Wing. 

Snow camp expression of interest

Please find the expression of interest form for our 2023 SNOW camp. You need a TC login to access this form - students should fill it in.

This is just the initial step. Completing this DOES NOT guarantee a spot on the camp. Please make sure you read ALL details within the form.

Expression of interest closes this Wednesday 17 MAY 2023.

Laughs with Staff - EPISODE 8

Transcript: Laughs with Staff 
S-Wing Edition 
Episode 8

Watch it now on Instagram

What are you reading at the moment? 
Sophie: Ok so I'm a bit of a reader that loves to read non-fiction so I've got 'The History of the World in 100 Plants", I'm also reading a book on South Korea called 'Shrimp to Whale' how they like grew as a country and I'm gonna read one on North Korea which is 'Nothing to Envy' so I'm very excited.
Amy: At the moment I am reading a book called "My Brilliant Friend' there are four books to this series or these... I think she describes it as actually four um its four books but she's not calling it a series. It's one story but four books. Can't remember the authors name but I know that she is from Italy and the books have been translated to English but so far I'm loving it.
Craig: 'For All the Light That Remains'... um I can't remember the author... but it's a fantastic book about um a blind girl during the second World War and a German soldier and they met um it's just so well written, I'd recommend that to anyone.
Rita: I'm reading a book on science of sleep.
Mei: Lovely, I have not read a book for pleasure for a long long time all I read are reports...(too much noise to hear what is said).
All: [laughter]
Duncan: uh James Clavell's 'King Rat'.

LIVING CULTURE

Another term, another amazing Community Integrated Learning theme! 

Next week will mark the start of 'Living Culture'. As explained by Ryan Griffiths, this theme "brings together our commitment to Reconciliation and learning about First Nations' perspectives, as well as exploring global citizenship, advocacy, and our place in the world." Over term two, students will immerse themselves in different cultures and participate in many activities, both in the classroom and at whole school and opt-in events. 

'Living Culture' emerged from community surveys last year with a strong sense that families, students, and staff view the exploration of First Nations perspectives and global citizenship as really important themes to explore. This term's theme aims to empower and "celebrate the diversity within our community, elevate the voices of young people and marginalised groups within our community, and explore the complex and varied perspectives on our shared history and contemporary culture." 

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

The following events are open to all students:

LIVING CULTURE LIVE! feat Djirri Djirri - Tues May 16 & Wed May 17, TC Performing Arts Centre 

Tickets available: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1043389

Ryan: Our musicians have been researching aspects of culture and have come up with an incredible array of songs. Singer and concert curator Nikita Kranz has worked with the bands to weave a story of place, identity, personal reflections, and social justice. We are so proud to share these songs with the community and look forward to seeing people at the gigs. 

Athletics/Indigenous Games Day with Wanyara - Tues May 23
Doncaster Athletics Track
All day, all staff, all students. 
Consent is required on Compass! 

Buroinjin Cup celebrating 100 year anniversary of the Aboriginal Advancement League, Thurs May 25
Opt-in event: https://forms.office.com/r/eEn9P9zCYz

If you love sport, can run fast and catch a ball, this traditional Indigenous game could be for you! Compete against other schools and be part of the first Victorian Cup run by Wanyara. 

Reconciliation Week May 27 - June 3 
Various events and focus groups happening during class time and Connect. 

Woi Wurrung Language Workshop with Wurundjeri language knowledge holder Mandy Nicholson - Tues June 6
Lunchtime opt-in workshop: https://forms.office.com/r/TYMP07U5jz

Refugee Week - June 18-24 
Keep an eye on Compass Newsfeed for info about Ration Challenge and other Refugee Week events. The annual Ration Challenge is back, with lots of staff and students already undertaking the task to raise money for refugees and people who have been forcibly displaced, from their homes, by providing them with emergency food, healthcare and life-changing support. 

Contact MBAI@tc.vic.edu.au or Meg Bailey on Teams for any questions. 

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
TC has a draft Reconciliation Action Plan. In 2023 we will be renewing and publishing our RAP and deepening our commitment to reconciliation. If you would like to view, collaborate, or contribute to our Reconciliation Action Plan, please contact RGR@tc.vic.edu.au. 

Subject Based Activities: 

Humanities
FLE Model UN forum is running throughout week 5. 

Jack's Entry Humanities are doing a lesson in Week 6/7 specifically on culture as part of their unit on creating a society, thinking of ways they can foster a culture in their society, and what elements of culture will be important to them!

Students will be teaching students in Craig's 1/2 History class who will present their 'Inquiry Task' on 1920/30s USA and Germany to Cassidy's FLE Humanities class. Then Cassidy's class will present their findings from their learning task on 'National Identity Inquity' with the 1/2 class!

Unit 3/4 Sociology will have a guest speaker coming in to talk about her experience of Ethnicity, for their Research SAC on Monday, the 15th of May.

VCE/VM 
There will be a screening of 'Face to Face' and on Monday the 22nd of May, David Moore will be coming in for an incursion on Restorative Justice that will prompt further discussions in class. 

MAP
Yesterday 'Didgeridoo Australia' gave a comprehensive presentation and discussion of traditional bush food sources, hunting tools, musical instruments, and arts and crafts. There was also live didgeridoo music, with the students joining in and playing clapsticks alongside our Filipino Montessori guests!

Stage & Beyond 
Students collaborated with Melbourne Indigenous Transitional School's Yidaki group. 

Food and Baking
Students will visit the Dandenong Market to explore different cultural foods and buy ingredients for a recipe representing their cultural heritage and family traditions. 

Physics 
Yesterday the 1/2 classes ran a debate on nuclear energy for Australia, explicitly addressing cultural and social issues. Teacher Penelope was "so proud of their clearly articulated and evidence-based arguments, both for and against nuclear energy or nuclear waste storage in Australia."

And so so so much more! Be sure to check the Community pages on Teams and Compass News posts with sign-up opportunities. 

It's been so amazing to already see all of the staff and student contributions to this term's 'Living Culture' experience! So make sure to get involved in a range of classroom-based activities and don't miss out on our whole school events like the Aths/Indigenous Games day on Tuesday, the 23rd of May!!! Also, the Community Integrated Learning team are thrilled to announce term three's theme, "Me, You, We", which will explore, careers and subject pathways, employment, and entrepreneurship.

If you'd like to be involved in 'Living Culture' or have any questions, please contact: RGR@tc.vic.edu.au 

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

Last Weeks Announcements

• TC Camps

TC Camps

The TC Camps program is in full swing with students heading out in term 1 for Entry Camp, Grad Camp, MAP, Outdoor Education and more. As we look ahead to plan for the rest of the year please find attached a summary of the camps on offer for the rest of the year. An expression of interest form, additional camp outlines and contact information will be posted within the Teams Community pages shortly for students to access and complete.

Camps include:

• Arts Immersion

• Hiking Camp

• Snow Camp

• “Choose Your Own Adventure Camp” Including Horse Riding, Surfing, Hiking, Abseiling/Rock Climbing

Previous Weeks Announcements

• Attendance Processes Reminders

• Term 2 Clubs

ATTENDANCE PROCESSES REMINDERS

A reminder about the following processes to do with Attendance @TC:

• Student absence and reason for absence should be recorded via the Compass portal on the day of absence

• Students who are completing a VCE subject must achieve an attendance requirement of 80% or over to pass the subject

• Any students who miss a VCE class should provide a medical certificate to the school to have that attendance approved under DET guidelines

• If you believe your student was in class but has been marked absent, please contact the relevant classroom teacher to discuss

Should you have any queries regarding attendance, or if you would like further support from the school, please contact the relevant Community Team.

Yours sincerely,
Katrina Katz - Assistant Principal - Community and Wellbeing

CLUBS for term 2

Previous TC NEWS Articles

International Student Recruitment to South Korea and Japan 2023 

As you may know, COVID, lockdowns and border closures have significantly affected Victoria's International Program. Towards the end of the month, our principal, Peter Ellis, will be embarking on an International Student Recruitment trip to South Korea and Japan! For two weeks, Peter alongside some other government schools, will travel around Seoul and Tokyo to represent Victorian education at Trade Fairs, and meet with education agents and potential families and students. The aim of this trip is to market TC as part of the Victorian educational experience in the International Education Market and recruit new students to come to study here. The Education Fairs include schools from all over the world like Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Australia, all showing how great their education can be for international students!

This is not our principal's first International Student Recruitment trip. He's previously been to China and Japan. This year he chose to visit South Korea and Japan as he admires "their cultures around innovation and being creative." To prepare for his trip, Peter has been doing a lot of research about Korea and is particularly interested in how "entrepreneurial and future-focused [they are], which really aligns with the [our] school".

Upon meeting the education agents, they will receive a gift bag that includes, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria tea towels, Macadamia nuts, TC pens, an Aussie Pride Rotary badge, a TC notepad, a TC USB with all of the information from TC loaded onto it, all packaged in a TC tote bag. The contents of the gift were decided by, Peter and our International Student Program Coordinator, Belle.

With a Korean background, our Hub Manager Jin also used to work in the International Program and would recommend that Peter try authentic "Tteokbokki and Gamjatang." Also, if he has time in Seoul, he should check out the "Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Bukhansan National Park and Bukchon Hanok Village." 

TC currently has thirty international students from Chile, China & Hong Kong, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Venezuela, and Vietnam! The international program "mainly supports students who plan on graduating with a VCE, but we also offer study abroad options so students can come for a short term". 

Our international students' journey at TC begins with Belle! Her role encompasses many different things, such as reviewing and accepting their application, if they come without family, she will pick them up from the airport, and bring them to their host family. Also, she collaborates with their families and if needed, helps them with banking, myki cards and other things they might need to get settled in. Throughout the enrollment process, Belle assists students with the overall subject selection and transition into our school. She explained that TC’s program is different to other schools because "just like TC, we support students to explore their interests, to see each student individually, their needs and wellbeing and give them an opportunity to explore outside the traditional pathways they know."

When they first come to TC, most international students will start at our onsite English Language Centre. They may also attend homework club, which is run once a week on Wednesdays and allows Belle to "check in with students and also give them some space to finish up work they might have and ask questions they might have." The program also has multicultural aides who support students in and out of class. The VCE Chinese First language subject is also offered at TC, so our "Chinese-speaking students (both local and international), who are most of our cohort, can potentially boost their VCE results!"

Here, I spoke to some of TC's students in the international program and our International Student Leader. Read on. 

Where are you from and how long are you here for? 
Tat:  I'm from Malaysia and I've been here for about four months.
Shirley: I am from Anhui, Ma’anshan, China. I plan to stay here in Australia until I get to work here, or maybe I will go to other countries to graduate school.
Jade: I’m from Vietnam. I will be here for studying university.
Jelto: I'm from Germany and I am here for one year.

What is your aim as an International Leader?
Santiago: As an international leader, I’m aware that I represent and look out for not only international students but also regular students who have English as their second language. I want to ensure that everyone in the international program feels included and welcomed since a lot of us international students experience homesickness very often. This community is not as big as others, but it’s just as important. I want to make international students connect with Australians more, so both parties can share and know each other more. 

What made you want to study abroad in Victoria? 
Tat: The opportunities and education here made me want to study abroad in Victoria
Shirley: The reason for me to come here and study aboard is because I love the learning environment here, where I could be engaged to do what I like to do. Also, I love the teachers here.
Jelto: My main reason to study abroad was for the experience. I looked through a bunch of options and in the end, I decided on Melbourne as it seemed like the best option for me.
Santiago: I wanted to study in Victoria since my Uncle and Aunt had come here before me and my family, and they told me the immense amount of opportunities one has here, unlike Ecuador or Venezuela. 

What has been your favourite part of TC? 
Tat: My favourite part of TC is that we can choose our subjects ourselves.
Shirley: Art is my favourite part of TC. 
Jade: My favourite part of TC is the TC environment, tools, subject, students, and friendly teachers [who are] helpful and support students with disabilities.
Jelto: Definitely the Animals' Program. Working with all the different animals is just a lot of fun and something I never got to do like that before. 

How are classes different in your home country from classes here? 
Tat: First of all, classes here are using English as their major language for teaching. Besides, classes here provide more opportunities for us to communicate with each other.
Shirley: The lessons are completely different from classes back in China. In my previous schools, we have never-ending homework and test practices. You won’t usually have breaks because the teachers would use these times to give punishments or continue their lessons. We have way much more lessons than here in Victoria, approximately 7~9 lessons a day. The complete atmosphere of schools in China are tense and desperate, everyone are being expected to get a high mark even if they don’t want to. Feeling depressed is normal in Chinese schools. I may say, studying schools in Victoria seems to be like having a relaxing holiday where you can do what you want and learn what you like. And by the way, we don’t get to choose what we will learn before university. 
Jade: The classes here are different from my home country’s classes. There are many subjects to choose from than in Vietnam, many equipment and tools to support the subject and the way to learn here is also different, students can use computers to take notes and look up to learn.
Jelto: The freedom to choose every single one of the classes I want to take is the biggest difference I'd say. The content, complexity and way of teaching may not be the same but they aren't too different either.
Santiago: When it comes to classes, there are A LOT of differences between my country and TC. First, I’m able to choose my subjects, in any year level, something that is not offered in Venezuela/Ecuador. Second, there’s a range of options, I can’t do Media, Drama, Food tech, Art and other subjects like that in Latin America, it’s amazing! And last but not least, teachers are more comprehensive and friendly here. More than a teacher, it feels like a friend who is trying to help you. This really helped me to feel included when I first came here. 

What advice would you give to a new international student?
Shirley: Please do not take the content of the lessons too seriously when you first come here. Also, the lessons are all great fun and interesting except that there are only maximum four lessons in a day.
Jelto: Get out there and experience stuff! You're only here for so long, take this opportunity to get to know new people and this country.
Santiago: My advice to a new international student would be to look for a community or club to join so you can make friends quickly, this helps to reduce homesickness, as you won’t feel as alone. This also will help your English learning, as you’d be in constant touch with English speakers.

In light of this terms, Community Integrated Learning theme, "Living Culture", Belle would like to acknowledge our "international students who bring diversity to TC, that living experience of intercultural worlds, and different perspectives on world view and concepts. I [Belle] would like to encourage everyone to embrace these differences and that this is also true for many of our newly migrated students who speak English as a second language." Stay tuned for next week to learn more about Term Two's Community Integrated Learning theme, "Living Culture"!

Through talking to students and staff about the International Program, I realised, how diverse and big the TC Community actually is! I also learnt you can support our community by providing homestay accommodation for international students. This experience offers the opportunity to learn about another culture and build lifelong friendships. Our program is currently looking for TC families keen to host international students. 

We wish Peter the best of luck on his trip to South Korea and Japan and look forward to welcoming new international students to TC in the coming terms!

Please email Belle if your family is interested in hosting: bau@tc.vic.edu.au

By Bonnie-Mai Smith 
TC Journalist

Schools ANZAC Day Commemoration Service

Yesterday, Assistant Principal Darren, Nurse Donna and School Captains, Chloe, Finn and I attended the 32nd School ANZAC Service held at Templestowe Memorial Park and laid a wreath on behalf of our school community. This year, the service was attended by over 600 students and staff representing schools in the City of Manningham and prominent attendees included The Hon. Keith Wolahan MP (Member for Menzies), The Hon. Matthew Guy MP (Member for Bulleen), Councillor Deirdre Diamante (Mayor - City of Manningham) and Mr Brian Atherton (Past President - Templestowe RSL Sub Branch). 

Starting at noon, the ceremony began with a welcome delivered by the Rotary Club of Templestowe. Then the Deputy Mayor, Deirdre Diamante gave a response speech and an Acknowledgement of Country. Following the speeches, we all stood to sing the hymn ‘O God, Our Help In Ages Past’. After the hymn, Keith Wolahan delivered the ANZAC Address. His speech was incredibly moving and personal as he provided us with some wise words and reflected on his friend in the army who had sadly lost his life. 

After the touching speeches, representatives from all the participating schools then laid their wreaths at the foot of the monument. The structure was surrounded by four members and an armed guard of the Australian Defence Force School of Signals Catafalque Party as a sign of respect for those who have fallen. The wreath is used as a commemorative symbol to help us honour and remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Provided to us by Donna the rosemary on our wreath signifies remembrance and the colour purple for mourning, spirituality and ceremony. 

After, School Captains from East Doncaster Secondary College delivered the ANZAC Requiem (see below), which was followed by the Templestowe RSL Sub-Branch reciting 'The Ode' then the playing of the last post, flag rising and a minute of silence to honour those that did not return home. The ceremony concluded with everyone standing to sing Advance Australia Fair and God Defend New Zealand, performed by the Doncaster Secondary College Wind Symphony. 

As a Captain, it was an honour to represent TC at the ANZAC Service. It was an emotional tribute to the ANZACs, recognising how their qualities of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice continue to be relevant today. 

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Templestowe for providing the annual Schools ANZAC Day Commemoration Service.

Lest we forget. 

By Bonnie-Mai Smith 
TC Journalist

ANZAC Requiem

On this day above all days, we recall those who served in the war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation.
We remember those who still sleep where they were left - amid the holly scrub in the valleys and the ridges of Gallipoli - on the rocky and terraced hills of Palestine - and in the fields of Flanders and France.

We remember those who lie asleep in the ground beneath the shimmering haze of the Libyan Desert - at Bardia, Derna, Tobruk - and amid the mountain passes and olive groves of Greece and Crete, and the rugged, snow-capped hills of Lebanon and Syria.
We remember those who lie buried in the rank jungle of Malaya and Burma - in New Guinea - and the Pacific.

We remember those who lie buried amid loving friends in our Motherland and in our own far North.
We remember those who lie in unknown resting places in almost every land, and those gallant men whose grave is the unending sea. Especially do we remember those who died as prisoners of war, remote from their homeland, and from the comforting presence of their next of kin.

We think of those of our women’s services who gave their lives in our own

foreign lands and at sea, and of those who proved to be, in much more than name, the sisters of our fighting men.
We recall, too, the staunch friends who fought beside our men on the first ANZAC Day - men of New Zealand who helped to create the name of ANZAC.

We recall of those who gave their lives in the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Service and in other British and Dominion Forces.
We think of those British men and women who fell, when, for the second time in history, their nation and its kindred stood alone against the overwhelming might of an oppressor.

We think of every man and woman who in those crucial hours died so that the lights of freedom and humanity might continue to shine.
We think of those gallant men and women who died in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and in Peacekeeping Forces assisting to defend the Commonwealth and other countries of the Free World, against a common enemy.