Next Week @TC

• Student Attitudes to School Survey

• Parents/Carers Facebook Group Launch

• Careers and Wellbeing Expo

• Semester 2 subjects confirmation

• 2023 Subject Planning

• Student Canteen Assistant Job Now Advertising

• Celebrating IDAHOBIT Day - external providers

• Seeking old fabric for Reclaim the Void

• TCNEWS - Student Successes in Top Arts, Screen and Design

13/05/2022

Students Attitudes to School Survey

In a few weeks time we will be carrying out the annual Student Attitudes to School Survey. This is carried out every year and is the same one that students have completed every year throughout their Primary and Secondary education. The data collected is used by the school to plan the priorities ahead for both the rest of the year, and also for 2023. Students data is collected anonymously throughout the process and we will be completing this during Connect time.

For the first time, the Department of education and training have asked us to send the letter attached to you to inform you about the survey. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Parents/Carers Facebook Group Launch

We have launched a Templestowe College Parents/Carers Facebook Group.

Promoting a safe space for parents and carers of students at Templestowe College to share information online, the group will celebrate school achievements, keep up to date with school events, and more. This page will be run by a parent group with the approval of TC.

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.

Careers and Wellbeing Expo

This year Templestowe College is hosting its very own Careers and Wellbeing Expo! The event will be held at school, Monday the 6th of June, between 3:30 and 6:30 pm. The expo aims to create pathway opportunities for TC students. At the event, students will be able to connect with some of the most respected Tertiary, TAFE, Apprenticeship and Employment providers in and around Victoria. TC will also be hosting some awesome well-being and community outreach programs.

Some of the reps that will be at the expo are:
Deakin University
Swinburne University
Melbourne Polytechnic
Richmond Institute of sport
Carlton College
RMIT
COLLARTS
Latrobe University
Headspace
and more.

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

If you have any questions about the Careers and Wellbeing Expo please contact Olivia Bontempelli on teams or via email: OBON@tc.vic.edu.au

Semester 2 subject confirmation

During week 4 (next week) community assemblies will run during Connect on Wednesday and Friday. One topic will be to inform students that in week 5 they will get the opportunity to confirm or re-select their semester 2 length subjects. They will have help in Connect to complete this task. This will enable us to start creating the semester 2 timetable ready for the beginning of Term 3.

2023 Subject planning

Next week our school captains are launching a survey to gain feedback from students about the subjects we offer at TC, looking for any gaps in the curriculum. Please encourage students to fill it out on their community teams page. We are looking for areas of curriculum students feel they cannot access with our current subject offerings. We will then be letting students know in which subjects in 2023 they will be able to find these areas.

Student Canteen Assistant Now advertising

Celebrating IDAHOBIT Day

Banyule Music, Film and Poetry Event - click here for more information

Nillumbik and Banyule Youth Services - How to support LGBTQIA+ young people (online session) - click here to sign up

seeking old fabric of reclaim th void

Penny’s RED connect group is starting to weave a rug for country (https://www.reclaimthevoid.com.au/weave-a-ragrug-for-country). If you have any "reddish" old clothes (sheets and quilt covers work well) that need to be recycled/repurposed please bring it to the Red Community office.

Student Successes in Top Arts, Screen and Design

This year some visual art students at TC have been selected for the VCE Season of Excellence! The annual five-month festival showcases the exceptional work created by senior secondary students across Victoria. Currently, four former TC graduate students have their work shown in major cultural venues. With hundreds of entries to be a part of the Season of Excellence, artworks were selected based on key criteria such as "conceptual development, technical excellence, aesthetic considerations, awareness of past and contemporary art practices, individuality, and innovation".  

In late October, applications for the Season of Excellence (Top Designs, Top Screen, Top Arts) open. Students with a highly resolved media product and folio are encouraged to apply with the help of their art teacher. They are also asked to submit a written reflection that addresses how the artwork expresses their idea and how the aesthetic qualities were achieved. This then goes to a selection panel for first-round selections. If the work is shortlisted, the panel (VCAA and the curators and educators of the NGV) will then, ask the students to bring in their folio to be assessed. If selected, the media product is screened at Top Screen (ACMI) or exhibited at Top Design (Melbourne Museum) and Top Arts (NGV).

Here are the TC Artists and Artwork that are currently exhibited:

Top Arts:      

Identity by Holly O'Brien

Both artworks (Identity and OUTSIDERS) explore the same themes surrounding identity and personal experiences. I wanted to create works that contain symbolic imagery and bright colours as a form of self-expression. Through both works, I have represented my personal life experiences and how these experiences shape who I am as an individual.

Bricks, bins & backstreets by Miki Flett

My first artwork Bricks, bins & backstreets portrays a desperate attachment to people, places & memories through a literal depiction of large, crippled hands grasping onto an ordinary backstreet building. The concept reflects how something as mundane as a brick building hidden by narrow streets, can be held onto, sentimentally.

Top Screen:

The Flower in Me by Erin Kim

ANIMATION, 3 MIN

Insecure about the flower buds on her antlers not having bloomed like her other peers, Bom struggles with self-acceptance. Her self-doubt transforms into the physical form of a shadow creature that consumes Bom, until her friend Pangie rescues her.

Top Designs:

The Purrfect Pair Cat Carrier by Amelie Thompson

I designed the cat carrier for an end-user group that wanted a product that would provide a comforting environment for cats while travelling. My research found that travelling with a new cat is difficult, as cats are often anxious in new settings. I designed and created a carrier product that the cat would interact with on a daily basis, so it would feel safe and familiar when travelling. 

OUTSIDERS by Holly O'Brien

The idea for my print production came from a personal interest in graphic novels, comic books and art styles from animated films and TV shows. My intention was to create a short graphic novel that focuses on the friendship between humans and automations. I wanted to depict my narrative through the use of the steampunk genre, due to my fascination with illustrating robotic machinery. My narrative also presents themes of social anxiety, which the audience may be able to relate to through the work.

Here I interviewed former grad, Erin Kim, about her animation The Flower in Me and Art teachers Mia and Demi on their Top Arts 2022 experience.

What was the inspiration behind your artwork?

Erin:  I was inspired by my journey of self-acceptance and celebration of oneself. I intended to create a character that was having their own self-discovery in an abstract form.

How is it like having your/ your student's media products exhibited in a museum or shown on the big screen?

Mia: It is very rewarding to see a student's hard work and determination be recognised at such a high level. The students work so hard all year on their media production (SAT) from researching ideas, developing their ideas and then producing and refining a final media product. I am so proud of the students whose works were selected for this year's screening and exhibition. 

Erin: It's truly an honour to have my animation exhibited to so many people. Being a perfectionist, it's hard to acknowledge my achievements so I feel justified to be proud of what I've created.

Did you go to the openings? If so how was it?

Mia: Yes, I went to the Top Screen opening night, which was really fun! It's like going to a proper movie premiere or awards night! You get to meet all the filmmakers and hear about their process and journey. Also, you get choc-tops!! 

Erin: Yes I did! At the opening, I received the Top Screens Jury prize which I didn't expect at all (I didn't even know they had prizes). I was just really happy to know that people enjoyed my animation.

Demi: Yes, I go every year! When a student is selected for Top Arts the VCE teacher is invited to this VIP event. It is very exciting and an honour to be there with the students who worked so hard throughout the year. It is awesome to have their work on display in a world recognised gallery such as the NGV and to have parents, families and educators celebrate with them.

What advice would you give to future Top Screen and Top Design applicants?

Mia: My advice would be to work on your folio consistently and seek feedback regularly. You need to have a strong work ethic and be willing to invest 110% into it. Involve family and friends as it is truly a piece of schoolwork you will always remember and be proud of!

Erin: I recommend establishing your strengths and weaknesses before starting a project. This allows you to plan better on what you can and not do. E.g. I knew I wasn't confident in background design so I went with a minimalistic animation style.

Holly O'Brien (Identity) and Miki Flett's (Bricks, bins & backstreets) can be viewed at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square until the 24th of July 2022.

Erin Kim (The Flower in Me), Holly Obrien (OUTSIDERS) and Amelie Thompsons (The Purrfect Pair Cat Carrier) can be viewed at the Melbourne Museum until the 10th of July 2022 or you can take a virtual tour on their website.

Congratulations to Erin Kim on The Top Screen Jury Prize and the students that were selected this year for the Season of Excellence!

For more info on the Top Designs at Melbourne Museum and Virtual Tour: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/learning/top-designs-2022/
For more info on the Top Arts at the NGV: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/top-arts-2022/
Erins Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tearhope.jpg/
Erins Film The Flower In Me: https://youtu.be/_OuxxQEMByY
To view some amazing student art work, you can follow TC Visual Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcvisualart/

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

Announcements from Last Week

• Music Concert - Lines in the Sand

• BYOD Internet Filtering

• Staff Professional Development Day - No learning taking place on site

• Move to Semester 2

• TC Formal Season

• Recycled Art Work Competition

• Winter Weather

• TC Beanies for sale

Music Concert - Lines in the sand

As part of TC’s Global Citizenship week, TC Music is presenting two special concerts featuring international guest artists and all the TC bands and ensembles. “Lines in the Sand – Songs about what makes us Human” will celebrate the ties that binds us as humans, the musical threads of shared humanity that speak to the timeless quality of music and its ability to bridge cultural and language barriers.
Our guest artists will be working with the TC Musos during classes to explore the sounds and stories in music from various social and cultural movements, and create pieces that will premiere for the shows. This is a special opportunity for our students to connect and create music alongside international masters whilst contributing to the creation of new work.
In addition to these new works, all our TC bands and ensembles will perform pieces linked to the theme creating a musical narrative that gives voice to the stories, emotions, and hopes of our TC Musos as they explore their place in the world.

Featuring:

• Mady Keita (Mali)
  Master percussionist, SuperMande Percussion director

• Nilusha Dassenaike (Aus, Sri-Lanka, NYC)
  Resistance Revival Chorus director (NYC), Tina Arena, Dancing with the Stars

• Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan (Aus)
  Musical polyglot and beat-boxer with violinist and renowned folk-musician Kylie Morrigan

• All of the TC bands, ensembles, soloists and staff!

Two nights only!
TUES MAY 31 & WED JUN 1

6:45pm doors for a 7pm start.

2 sets with intermission
Unfortunately due to COVID we are unable to provide tea/coffee facilities at intermission so please bring your own water bottles/snacks.

$20 per ticket (no ticket limit)

Tickets on sale until sold out
https://www.trybooking.com/BZFVL

BYOD Internet Filtering

Over the past 9 months, TC has introduced a new filtering system on Students BYOD computers. As a result we have an improved filtering system that gives the school greater flexibility in this area.

We can now offer different levels of filtering on students computers. Currently students have access to social media and games at all times. This is in line with our ICT use policy that can be found on our website. Should a family wish to investigate disabling the ability for students to access social media (including messaging apps) and games either during the school day, or at all times, they should make contact with their Community executive teams to discuss this. The Community Executive Teams should then be able to discuss the logistics of how this works. Please note that this process has to go through the Community Executive Teams, and not through direct conversation with our IT Support staff.

Staff Professional Development Day - No learning taking place on site 10th June

We have been informed by the Department of Education that all staff are to be given a professional learning day in term 2. On this day there will be no formal lessons taking place on site. Whilst TC will be open for any students who need supervision, there will be no formal classes running on this day. We have selected that all staff will take this day on Friday 10th June. We are aware that there is a VCE Maths Methods assessment taking place on this day. Staff will inform the relevant students how this will be impacted.

Move to Semester 2

We will move to Semester 2 at the beginning of term 3 (week 1). In week 5 (next week is week 3), students will confirm their subjects for semester 2. We will speak further with students about this in week 4.

Winter Weather

We wanted to make sure parents were aware that whilst we await the delivery of our additional air purifiers from the Department of Education, that there will still be classroom windows open throughout the school to promote airflow. We are telling you this as you may want to remind students to bring enough clothes in case it is cold in the classrooms.

TC Beanies for Sale

As the weather gets colder don’t forget you can purchase a TC Beanie from the general office at any time, beanies are $15.

Announcements from Previous Weeks

• Term 1 Newsletter Release

• Canteen Menu Term 2

• Traffic around the School

Term 1 Newsletter

Canteen Menu Term 2

Our Canteen refreshes the menu every term to bring the tastiest food to our community. Explore the new menu here, and don’t forget you can follow the canteen on Instagram for daily updates - Templestowe College Canteen (@templestowe_college_canteen) • Instagram photos and videos.

Traffic Around the School

A gentle reminder that not only should people driving through the school do so at a minimal speed, but also to please take care when driving the roads around TC. In particular, please be careful when turning from Lynwood Parade into Cypress Avenue as we have students from both TC and the neighbouring Primary School crossing here.

Pervious TCNEWS

Psychology 3/4's visit to Animals

This week, the Psychology 3/4 classes visited the TC animal farm! For their second area of study, the Psychology students are learning about the "neural basis of memory and learning and examining factors that influence the learning of new behaviours". Teacher Duncan and student head keeper Megan Hael explained to the classes the process of how the TC animals department teaches and trains their adorable llamas, goats and pigs . In turn, the students, shared some new ways the animals team could teach their animals new behaviours.

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

CLUBS @TC

At TC, there is a club for everyone! The myriad of social clubs at Templestowe College allows students to explore their interests outside of classes and be a part of a smaller community that shares common interests. Since most clubs are student-driven, students can take on leadership roles, meet new people and be a part of fun events! Some of these clubs are:

Mondays: 

Geography Club:

Mark your calendars! Starting week three Geography Club will be held every odd week Monday Lunchtimes in C03. Starting with Uzbekistan, in every meeting there will be a focus on a different country. The meetings will start with a Worldle competition and some fun geography games. There will be a presentation on the chosen country that is being covered: Geography, History, Leadership and Culture. Hopefully, there will also be traditional tasty snacks that represent the country! The Club is open to everyone who is interested and wants to learn more about the world around them.

Social Justice Club:

The Social Justice Club runs every second Monday lunchtime (even weeks) in D07. Staff facilitate discussions but the club is primarily student-led. Currently, the members discuss current affairs, are organising a fundraiser and are preparing to run formal debates. Last term, the Social Justice Club merged with the knitting club to talk about the news while knitting! The students are also planning a sleepout to raise awareness about homelessness in Australia.

Tuesdays:

Art Committee:

The Art Committee meets every Tuesday lunchtime in the Art Hub and aims to promote Visual Arts at TC. In this committee, "Students are coming up with their own ideas around what the committee should be, this could include thinking up exhibitions, promoting the exhibitions, working on community projects." Earlier in the year, a student member suggested that they make ceramic dog bowls that can be placed around the school for all of the dogs of the day! The Committee are also currently organising an art competition for Global Citizenship week, planning exhibitions and working on design commissions. All students are welcome to join!

History Club:

History lovers meet every Tuesday lunchtime in C03 to discuss the history of different topics. My recent personal favourites have been the history of fashion presented by student Jasmine Fuga, amazing women from history and the history of salt! The meetings usually kick off with some fun history-related games, Who am I's? and on this day in history where we look back on famous historical events that happened on that day. The meetings are filled with lots of tea, biscuits and laughs! 

Animals Group:

The Animals Group meetings are held weekly in the Reptiles Room (E2) at lunchtime (1:30 pm), on Tuesdays. The Committee is comprised of animal-loving students, students enrolled in animal classes, class leaders, head keepers, animals staff etc. The meetings are where the group discusses any important updates about the program, such as animal health issues or maintenance and husbandry tasks they need to be aware of. Facilitator Kate Meehan describes the meetings as "an awesome way for students to see how to have a balanced discussion with people with opposing views. We have an agenda that students can add to, and we have a student that chairs the meeting. People put up their hands to contribute and add in their thoughts, and someone takes minutes to document the discussion and outcome." A huge achievement for the Animals Committee last year was the Pig Project! From start to finish the group worked tirelessly to plan and prepare for adding the adorable pigs "Peabody and Sherman" to the program. The Animals group try to plan for an event each term and is hoping their upcoming trivia night will there biggest event yet. Stay tuned!

Thursdays:

Chess Club:

Chess Club held every Thursday at lunchtime, in D02 is a great club for chess pros and even Queens Gambit fans who want to pick up a new skill! 

The club was started last year by Callum Mcdonald and some former students. Callum believes that "Chess club is important because chess teaches focus and pattern recognition, it’s also something you can do for the rest of your life!" New members don’t even need to have any experience in playing chess. Everyone is welcome to join and boards, timers and snacks are provided!

Queer Club:

Queer Club welcomes students across all year levels and groups, as well as staff members who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and Questioning) as well as allies, to connect, share stories and build relationships. The meetings are held every Thursday lunchtime in Wellbeing (the back of S Wing). The Club was started in 2018 by former students with the goal to build safe spaces at TC for young queer people, and allies, to be themselves and talk about their experiences! Sometimes the meetings can focus on particular discussion topics, other times they can just be more social or the members might be planning an event or sharing stories. The club also starts off with an acknowledgement of country and often has special guests! This year Australian writer Nevo Zisin paid a visit and Britt from Manningham Youth Services regularly hangs out with the club and facilitates discussions. For anyone nervous about joining Queer Club, it is a very safe and welcoming space. People can say as much or as little as they would like, and no one would ask any follow-up questions if you chose not to share. Feel free to reach out to Amy or Amanda if you have any questions.

By Bonnie-Mai Smith 
TC Journalist