Next Week @TC

13/06/2025

• Connect Update

• WASHI Released

• GAT on Tuesday 17th - no classes running

• Semester 2 Timetable Update

• Food Drive - Donations Wanted

• TC Trivia Night

• Reminder for TC Community Bush Dance

• Careers Expo Update

Term 2 Tales from Connect 

Hi families,

Term 2 has been a busy time in Connect! Congratulations to all students and their Mentors for the work they have put in this term.

Goal Setting

This term all groups have learned about goal setting. Students have made personal goals around attendance and have identified an area of our Expanded Measures of Success (Independence, Working With Others, Technology, Active Citizenship, Creative Thinking) that they would like to work on. Students' personal goals are pinned to their Compass profile so all staff can support each student with their goals knowing that life often presents challenges and we need to adjust our goals as we go along. We'd love families to chat with their young people around attendance and their chosen goal. 

Connect Leaders

It has been the first term of the student-led Connect Leaders program where each Connect group's nominated leaders build their leadership skills through running activities and supporting their groups to discuss issues and ideas that are important to them. Congratulations to Jessica Ryles, Dara Cucos, Joseph Farrell, Mietta Palmer, Jake Reynolds, and Flynn Aragona-Murray for leading this program of almost 50 leaders! 

Entries

Our Entry students have been working with their Peer Support leaders to build connections with their friends and with older students who can be supports as Entries move into FLE next year. From games, to discussions, to mindfulness, and timed challenges, the Entry Connect groups have been very busy! Congratulations to all our Peer Support leaders for stepping into a vital support role and building their own confidence and skills. Thank you to Delanah Schelbach and Ellie Bonnet for devising and coordinating this program. 

Grads

We all take diverse paths to reach where we want to be and this term our Grad groups have been working with their Mentors and Careers team to learn about career pathways and how to think about career and the world of work through a lens of self-defined success and lifelong learning. Thank you to our Careers team and Louisa Renard for sharing these thought provoking ideas with our Grads. 

OurFutures Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program

This term all of our groups have worked through age and stage appropriate modules to build awareness of the choices and risks associated with alcohol, vape, and drug use and abuse. The program combines stories, cartoon-style animations, real life scenarios, and thoughtful group discussion. We encourage families to chat with their young people about these issues and keep the conversation going as they get older and experience situations where informed choices become important. 

Reconciliation and Refugee Weeks

During Reconciliation week and Refugee weeks, Connect groups explored video and text resources that aim to provoke thought and discussion around important social justice issues. There are so many ways students can get involved with these weeks outside of Connect such as our Reconciliation Week Creative Comp, Refugee Ration project, and various community-run events. Be sure to follow Compass updates around these opportunities. 

Did you know TC is currently working on our Reconciliation Action Plan? Want to get involved? Please contact Ryan at RGR@tc.vic.edu.au

For more info:
https://tc.vic.edu.au/reconciliation-action-plan

This is just a snapshot of the many things that are happening in Connect in addition to the wonderful routines of card games, chatting outside in the fresh air, connection, and personal support that our Mentors provide students. Please chat with your young person about their Connect experience and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or feedback. 

Creatively,
Ryan Griffith
Director Community Integrated Learning 

WASHI Round 3 Now Available

The third round of the Work and Study Habits Index (WASHI) is now available to be viewed on Compass.

TUESDAY 17TH JUNE - NO CLASSES RUNNING DUE TO GAT EXAM

On Tuesday 17 June the State is running the 2025 GAT Exam. The GAT exam is broken into two sections Part A and Part B.

All students undertaking one or more Unit 3/4 VCE or VET subjects in 2025 (scored or unscored) are expected to sit both Parts A and B of the GAT.

Due to the large number of students who will be sitting the 2025 GAT (well over 300) we do not have the space to run classes on site that day. We therefore use this as a day to run our staff Professional Practice Day (PPD), that all schools are required to hold, to minimise disruptions to the school year. There will therefore be no on-site classes running on this day (Tuesday June 17).

Semester 2 Timetable Update

This week all students received a message on teams about how to access their Semester 2 timetables on their ILP. Please see message below, links will only work with a student account:

Today you will be able to access your Semester 2 Timetable on your ILP via THIS LINK.  

If you have a blank or would like to make amendments to your timetable before the start of the new semester next term please USE THIS FORM. Please read all the information on the form as it explains the blocking, subject codes and class size limitations. 

PLEASE NOTE: NO VCE CHANGES MAY BE MADE, THAT PROCESS HAS CLOSED AS UNIT 2/4 CLASSES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN.  

PLEASE NOTE: Change week for semester 2 will still run as normal in Week 3 of Term 3. 

The form will be open for TWO WEEKS closing the 26th of June so all changes can hopefully be processed by the end of term. You only need to use one form if you have multiple changes, add them all to one form. 

If your parents/carers want to talk to someone about your timetable please ask them to email your community team on the following emails: 

BLUE@tc.vic.edu.au 
GOLD@tc.vic.edu.au 
GREEN@tc.vic.edu.au 
RED@tc.vic.edu.au 

Donations for Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

We are collecting donations of non-perishable food and sanitary items for the ASRC for Refugee Week. See image for wanted items. Please place donations in the box located in the front office area. Thank you!

TC Trivia Night

🎉 Kick off Term 3 in style and join in the fun at our annual TC Trivia Night, hosted by the 🐾 Working with Animals Program!

📅 When: Friday July 25th, Week 1 Term 3
🕡 Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
📍 Where: S-Wing, Templestowe College
💵 Cost: $15 per person
🎟️ Tickets available at: https://www.trybooking.com/DCJGK

All funds raised will help enrich our 🐶🐱 Working with Animals Program. Alongside trivia there will be:
🎯 Gold-coin games
🎟️ A raffle
🤫 A silent auction

💳 EFT facilities will be available on the night.
🥪🍷 BYO food, drinks, a pocket of coins 🪙 and a winning attitude 🏆!

Tickets are sold individually, with tables of up to 10 🪑👫👬👭—so grab some pals and form a team!
✨ Delicious prizes await the teams rocking the best theme 🎭🎉

We cannot wait to see you there! 🙌🐾

💌 If you wish to contribute prizes or vouchers to our raffle or silent auction, we will be very grateful!
Please contact Kate Meehan 📧 (kmee@tc.vic.edu.au) before Friday July 4th.

Come and join us at the TC Bush Dance!

🪕 TC Community Bush Dance
📅 Friday 27 June | 🕡 6:30pm – 10:00pm
📍 S-Wing
🎟️ Tickets: www.trybooking.com/DCEHL
Adults: $20, Students: $10, Kids under 5: FREE

Grab your boots and bring your best moves — it's time for a Bush Dance! 💃🕺

We’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Bushwahzee 🎻 — a high-energy bush band that will have everyone dancing with the help of an experienced dance caller guiding you through classic Aussie bush dances!🪗 There will be a raffle and silent auction on the night, with cash and card payments available. All funds raised will go towards supporting the running of our permaculture program.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for all ages and abilities!
🍽️ BYO picnic food & drinks to enjoy at your table OR let us feed you:
🥔 Pre-order a baked potato with all the toppings
🌭 Enjoy a classic sausage sizzle

Careers Expo Update

🗓️ Monday 23 June | 3:00–5:00pm | S Wing

👩‍🎓 FLE3, FLE4 & Grad Students + Families — Save the date in your calendar now! 📲🗓️

IT'S TIME TO PLAN YOUR TC CAREERS EXPO VISIT:

• Final Exhibitors List and Summaries on teams!

• Record number of Exhibitors (35) including many new to TC, Universities, TAFEs, Apprenticeship Organisations, Employers and more in bigger S Wing venue

• Line up your next: student opportunity, course, career pathway, work experience, SWL placement, student job, scholarship, early entry offer and more. 

• Come away with: brochures, free food, new connections, refreshed motivation and a clearer, inspired plan for the next steps in a pathway of your design. 

• Canteen will be open for coffees during the Expo

• We look forward to seeing all our FLE3, FLE4 & GRAD students,  parents/ carers and staff in just over a week at TC’s Career Expo 2025: Mon 23 June, 3-5pm, S Wing. 

Last Weeks Announcements

• 2025 TC Production - Legally Blonde Tickets Available Now

• Bridging Now to Next - Creative Response DEADLINE EXTENDED! 

• Second hand golf putters - seeking donations

• STEM Design Challange

• Volunteer Opportunity - Tree Planting with Rotary Manningham 

• End of Term 2 / Beginning of Term 3 Arrangements

🎭 Tickets On Sale Now – TC’s 2025 Musical Production: Legally Blonde Jr! 💕

Get ready to bend and snap your way into the theatre! Templestowe College is proud to present this year’s dazzling musical production: Legally Blonde Jr – a fabulously fun and empowering story of self-discovery, friendship, and staying true to yourself.

🗓️ Show Dates:
📅 12, 13 & 14 August at 7:00 PM
📅 15 August at 6:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets:
Adult: $25
Children under 12 / Seniors / TC Students: $15

📍Location: PAC
🔗 Book now via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DALXT

Bridging Now to Next - Creative Response DEADLINE EXTENDED! 

Students are invited to submit a creative response to the theme "Bridging Now to Next" in any medium by 5pm Wednesday June 11 (week 8 Term 2) to go in the running to win a $240 voucher at an Indigenous run business of your choice. 2nd and 3rd prizes are $50, and $30 respectively.

All current TC students are eligible and encouraged to enter.

Entries can be text, a persuasive essay, visual art, photography, music, lyrics, video, dance, or any other creative medium. Entries will be judged on how the theme is addressed and how the work calls the audience to action. The winning entry will be posted to our TC socials and be celebrated at an upcoming Community assembly.

• For more info about Reconciliation Week: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

• For some inspiration: https://www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/  (Reconciliation NSW) 

Submit your entry to RGR@tc.vic.edu.au by 5pm Tuesday June 3

 NRW2025: Bridging Now to Next - The #NRW2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future in our reconciliation journey. www.reconciliation.org.au

Don’t miss your chance to see our talented students light up the stage with big hair, big dreams, and even bigger energy! 💄✨

Second hand golf putters - seeking donations

We are hoping to start building a modular mini-golf course and would love a classroom kit of putters. If you have an old one sitting around or if your golfing days are done, please bring to the office and attention to Dara c/o Ryan Griffith. 

Volunteer Opportunity - Tree Planting with Rotary Manningham 

As part of our partnership with Rotary Manningham, TC is putting a call out for students and families who are keen to help with the annual tree planting on Sunday June 29. 

This isn't an official TC event however we encourage students and families to consider volunteering to contribute to Rotary's work in our community and to contribute to environmental regeneration. It is a great day out in nature, and a chance to connect with other volunteers of all ages. 

❓What: Help the environment by working as part of a big team to plant over 3000 trees on the day. There will be students from other schools, and Rotary volunteers helping on the day. 
📍Where: On the Goulburn River near Hildene (close to Seymour)
🕛Time: 9am-5pm, Sunday June 29.
🍽️Catering: Morning tea, refreshments, and lunch provided 
🚗Transport: private car, or if we get enough numbers Rotary will hire a bus. 
🙋Interested? Please email Ryan Griffith RGR@tc.vic.edu.au to express interest. We need to know numbers by June 15.

End of Term 2 Beginning of Term 3 Arrangements

• Friday 4th July - last day of term - classes run as normal

• Monday 21st July - whole staff professional development day - TC only open to staff

• Tuesday 22nd July - Classes resume (Semester 2). Classes start as normal.

Previous Weeks Announcements

• Photography, Filming and Recording Students Policy Update - Opt OUT Form

• School Photo Collection

• Bush Dance

• Ration Challenge - donate now

• Careers Expo - Monday 23rd of June

• Reporting Racism in Schools

• Term 2 Dates and Calendar

Photography, Filming and Recording Students Policy Update

There are many occasions during the school year where Templestowe College staff photograph, film or record students participating in school activities or events, for example classroom activities, sports events, concerts, excursions and camps.

Further detail is provided within this policy and can be found on the TC website. TC - Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy

Parents/Carers who wish to OPT OUT of this consent can do so by clicking on this link. https://forms.office.com/r/6P5A50VJXe

School Photo and ID Card collection

If students missed out on picking up school photos or ID card, they will be available to pick up this week from either the Connect Mentor or from the general office if the Connect mentors have returned these already. Students only receive an ID card if they had their photo taken this year. Anyone who believes they should have received school photos but we don't seem to have them, should contact the company directly: MSP Photography - www.msp.com.au 9466-7331

ration challenge

Every year TC staff and students do an amazing job completing the Ration Challenge. Students and staff eat the same rations as a refugee living in Jordan and donations go to bring emergency food, healthcare and life-changing support to the people who need it most. This is the sponsor link for our school team. https://schools.rationchallenge.org.au/templestowe-college-2025. We have a goal to raise $3000 you can visit the site to learn more about it!

Future Focus Sessions for students

Reporting Racism In Schools

At TC, we have a zero tolerance for racism in any form. We want all of our students to feel safe, supported and included so that they are empowered to learn. Please see the attached pamphlet on advice for students, parents and staff for what to do if they experience or witness incidents of racism. 

Many thanks,  

Katrina Katz 
Assistant Principal - Community and Wellbeing

Term 2 Dates and Calendar

Key dates for Term 2:

• 17th June - All staff PPD day. No classes running on site. GAT Exam for all Unit 3/4 VCE and VCE VM Students (all day).

• 4th July - Last Day of Term

Previous TCNEWS Articles

A Night to Remember – Senior Formal 2025

On the evening of May 23rd, TC's senior students from FLE3 (Year 10) and FLE4 (Year 11) stepped into a world of glamour and celebration at the iconic Vogue Ballroom, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.

The moment we walked through the doors we were transported. A collection of elegant tables, draped in white linen and crowned with glowing candelabras, shimmered under the soft honey light. The room felt like something out of a dream - refined, timeless, and buzzing with anticipation.

As we sat down, student leaders Ezra Callec, Millyca Robinson and Kate Dickenson said a few words to initiate the night. They thanked everyone for coming, and shouted out to "all the amazing people who helped organise this event so we could have this incredible experience."

Dinner was served as a three-course meal, adding a formal touch to the evening. With an entrée, main, and dessert, the meal brought a sense of occasion that matched the elegance of the setting. While the focus was more on the atmosphere than the food, sitting around the candlelit tables, clinking glasses with friends, and sharing stories between courses made it a memorable part of the night, and a moment to make new connections.

Zoey Dearman says, “It was a really good night, and super fun!” Her words summed up the unforgettable experience, as classmates danced, dined, and created lasting memories together.

The ballroom’s second floor overlooked the main space below, creating a lifted, almost cinematic view of the dance floor. From up there the swaying lights and moving crowd looked like a living painting.

But it was the music that brought the night to life. The DJ kept the energy high, spinning everything from chart-topping pop to gritty rock and pulsing techno. At one point, the entire dance floor erupted into spontaneous choreography; group dances, conga lines, and even someone pulling off the worm in the crowd. And yes, when the first notes of the Nutbush hit, everyone rushed to the floor like it was an annual tradition we had been upholding all our lives.

Among friends dressed in their finest attire, laughter and chatter resonated throughout the ballroom. Lulu Fiffe Goodall perfectly captured the spirit of the night when she reflected, “It was really fun, and I enjoyed hanging out with my friends.” Her sentiment echoed the feelings of many who attended. Everyone was there to dance and have fun but to also celebrate our secondary school years with our peers.

As the occasion came to an end, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air. TC's senior formal was not just an event; it was a celebration of friendship, laughter, and the exciting journey that lies ahead. This evening would be remembered not just for the stunning outfits and dance moves, but for the connections reinforced and the wonderful memories shared among friends.

By Mietta Palmer
TC Journalist

The Breakthrough: TC's May Music Concert 2025

The lights go down, the curtains part, and the first notes ring out - it all comes down to this moment.

On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, May 27th and 28th, the TC's Performing Arts Center was buzzing with excitement as students, teachers, and families gathered for the 2025 Midyear Music Concert.

This year’s theme, The Breakthrough, captured the spirit of overcoming challenges and pushing forward -something that really resonated with TC's musos. The concert featured a diverse range of music styles, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. The Breakthrough, means to persevere and to overcome struggles, giving voice to dreams, aspirations, frustrations and heartache. These are only a handful of the interpretations that the TC record's bands have explored and shared with their audiences. Many songs that were performed were original works being premiered just for this year's concert, and they did not disappoint.

This year’s concert also launched exciting upgrades to the theatre’s lighting, sound, and accessibility equipment, funded by the Northeast Link’s Community Fund. These improvements added a professional touch to the already impressive event.

Guitarist Tess Mathieson explained that her band’s song was about “struggling in life and then breaking through - moving on and getting through hard times.” Her words echo the overall message of the concert: that breakthrough moments are just around the corner, even when things get tough.

On Tuesday, the full-day dress rehearsal gave students a chance to polish their performances and iron out any last-minute issues. Pete, part of the music staff and tech crew, explained their unique approach to the rehearsal: how they run the show backwards during the dress rehearsal - from the finale song to the start - to make sure everything is perfect on opening night. The dress rehearsal stretched over the whole day as students and their bands prepared for the shows. The Performing Arts Centre buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as students filled the seats, tapping along to the rhythm of rehearsed songs. While watching their peers perform, students cheered enthusiastically knowing that during the actual concert, they would be supporting from the sidelines and backstage.

Isla Treweek, TC’s music captain and also a drummer for numerous of the night's performances explained how she feels "honoured to be able to help people with their first concert experience.” She also talked about how the "Atmosphere of the whole concert is amazing." The night was exceptionally rewarding for all those attending and performing, highlighting the teamwork and collaboration it took from students and teachers to set this unforgettable annual event in motion.

MCs Will Genat and Luca Hughes shared their thoughts on the theme The Breakthrough. Luca said, "Not only have they chosen songs, but some of the students have actually written their own in response to the theme!” Will, one of TC's school captains as well as a performing arts enthusiast, explained how “Everyone approached the theme in their unique way, and I think everyone's taken a different standpoint on the theme, which made the concert really unique and interesting.”

This year’s finale song, Gotye’s “Learnalilgivinanlovin,” was a highlight, with all the performers coming together on stage to sing, dance, and celebrate.

A huge shoutout to the stage crew, who expertly rearranged the stage between acts, and to the dedicated light and sound team working tirelessly from the back of the auditorium. Together with teachers and students, they created the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable concert experience.

TC's 2025 May concert was truly a celebration of creativity, resilience and community spirit. The performances not only showcased the incredible talent of the students but also emphasised the importance of overcoming challenges and supporting one another. As the echos of the finale filled the auditorium, it was clear that the concert was not just an artistic display but also a heartfelt expression of dreams and determination.

The night left everyone inspired, reminding us that breakthroughs are always within reach when we come together and lift each other up. Until next year, we look forward to more moments of creativity and connection at TC!

By Mietta Palmer
TC Journalist

Photography by Isla Treweek

TC's First Taste of Law in Action

On April 23rd, A group of TC students went to La Trobe University to enter a world of legal argument and courtroom drama.  As TC has never taken part in this excursion before, we were placed in the beginner group to get a real taste of what it's like to think, act and speak on our feet.

Our mooting journey kicked off with Nigel, who immediately got us thinking differently. He told us that “mooting is about being clever, about thinking on your feet on how you respond.” It wasn’t about being the loudest in the room or having every legal term memorised. It was about using what you know, staying calm under pressure, and knowing how to handle being questioned.

Nigel also shared some handy tips for mooting, like always addressing the judge as “Your Honour” and remembering that mooting isn’t about delivering a perfect speech, it’s a conversation. Being confident and clear was more important than using fancy words, and structuring arguments step-by-step helped keep everything easy to follow.

From there, we split into groups based on ability. TC was with the beginner group, working alongside Ms Millie Dodos and Ms Krivanek. We were introduced to the roles of applicant and respondent, and each team had a senior and junior counsel.

While we didn’t actually get up to present a case ourselves, we had the chance to watch the more advanced University Law students in action. It was a great way to learn, seeing how they structured their arguments, handled questions from the judge, and used confident but clear language. It all sounded pretty formal, and it was, but Nigel reminded us early on that mooting isn’t a speech. “It’s a conversation,” he said, which made it feel a bit less intimidating.

The case we looked at, Bhallad Win v The King, gave us a lot to think about. Even though we didn’t present ourselves, watching the process helped us see how to pick out key facts, identify the legal issue, and get ready for the judge’s questions. We looked for material facts, and how to prep for questions the judge may ask, as well as learning the different roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and how the Australian court hierarchy affects the power of decisions.

Overall, this mooting experience gave us a fresh perspective on the law and how to argue a point confidently. Even though we were mostly watching and learning, it showed us how important it is to stay calm, think on your feet, and work as a team. If you’re interested in giving mooting a go, here’s your chance! Interschool competitions will be running in term 3. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, build skills, and experience the excitement of mooting firsthand. Don’t miss out. Let Meg know if you are interested!

By Ruby Egan-Douglas
TC Journalist

Manningham District School ANZAC Memorial

Anzac Day, commemorated annually on April 25, is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most significant national days of remembrance. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

"Anzac" stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On this day in 1915, Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, as part of an Allied campaign during World War I. What followed was a brutal eight-month campaign marked by heavy casualties and harsh conditions. Although the mission failed to achieve its military objectives, the courage and endurance of the Anzacs left a lasting legacy.

Anzac Day has since evolved to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. The day is marked by dawn services, marches, and commemorations across both countries and beyond.

On Tuesday the 29th seven students attended the ANZAC Memorial to represent our school and pay our respects to the fallen who fought for our freedom. On arrival, Australian flags and little booklets with the agenda were handed out. All the schools from the Manningham District had representatives attend and lay a wreath to keep the ANZAC tradition alive for many generations to come. We must remember the sacrifices fought for us so that we can live freely.  

As part of the Anzac Day service, a Catafalque Party of four Military Cadets marched in and took their positions around the cenotaph, standing in silent tribute, symbolizing respect for the fallen. A Catafalque party is a guard typically consisting of four people, who stand watch over a coffin or memorial, often as a mark of respect during a funeral, memorial service, or Anzac Day ceremony. TC student Jake Buse formed part of the Catafalque.

Mr Anothony Callian, the Co-President of the Rotary Manningham City, welcomed us to the memorial and talked of our brave heroes in the war. "We learn the stories of the ANZAC heroes and now we pay our respects to them." He said, then passed the mic over to the second speaker.

The Mayor of Manningham District, Deirdre Diamante, shared what Anzac Day meant to her, expressing that it’s a day to pause and "thank all those who fought in the war," she stated, emphasising how significant their sacrifices were and how we should "cherish and love this country," honouring all that was given and lost to protect it. She then recited a poem that James Henry Bryant composed while in the trenches.  

"My Native Leaf"

The Irish love their native leaf that in their Island grows,
The Scottish and the English love the Thistle and the Rose,
But greater than these flowers and dearer far to me,
The emblem I love best of all is the native Blue Gum tree.

It sheltered me when I was young, beneath its boughs I played,
The house where I was born was built beneath a gum tree shade.
And often in the days gone by, the days when we were boys
That old gum tree shared my childish thoughts, my sorrows and my joys.

And if by perchance that I should fall, beneath a foreign sky,
I hope some passing wind will blow a Gum leaf where I lie.
A gum leaf fresh and fragrant blown from a wild gum tree,
That grows in far Australia, the Island of the Free.

Mr. Keith Wolahan, a Member of the Menzies, shared a story about Jim Burrowes, a soldier who lived in the area and worked as a coast watcher during the First World War. Mr Wolahan had the honour of talking to him before he passed at the age of 101 on the 7th of July 2024. Jim’s story is not just about radios and secret missions, but about love, grief, perseverance and the kind of courage that lingers long after the guns fall silent.

Jim Burrowes wasn’t just a war hero, he was a brother, a son, and a quiet witness to a heartbreaking loss. Keith Wolahan talked about the crushing weight Jim Burrowes's mother must have bore when she sent all three of her sons to war in the South Pacific, with only one returning home. Jim's brother, Bob, was captured and drowned aboard the Montevideo Maru, a Japanese prison ship that sunk without warning in just 11 minutes. Tom, the youngest brother, was shot down over Rabaul on his first mission. Jim was stationed for ten harrowing months overlooking that very place and harboured the solemn understanding that the land he watched over was where his brothers had fallen.

After Wolahan's speech, members of the community and school groups had the opportunity to lay a wreath on the cenotaph. One of TC's school captains, Abby Dearman, said the most memorable part of the event for her was "Seeing all the schools from Manningham lay their wreaths that had all different flowers and decorations; all of them were beautiful." Tya Robinson, another TC school captain, talked about the importance of keeping the Anzac spirit alive. "I believe that it is our role to ask questions but more importantly to listen, to hear the stories of the Anzacs and then share them, so that their stories are not forgotten, and we remember their brave sacrifice."

"Along with my fellow school captains, I laid a reef beside the War Memorial on behalf of the wider TC Community. I felt privileged being able to pay my respects to those who served and to represent Templestowe College at such an important event." Says William Genat, another one of TC's school captains. Will also talked about what ANZAC day meant to him, "For me, it definitely revolves around remembering and acknowledging the sacrifices men and women made during both world wars. On a more personal level, my family remembers my Great Grandpa who served in WW2, becoming a prisoner of war on the Burma Railway. I honoured him during the ceremony by wearing his set of Medals."

Afterwards, Mr Paul Richards, President of Templestowe RSL read The Ode of Remembrance:

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them
Lest we Forget.

Emily Dean, a FLE 3 student at TC, had the privilege of performing the Last Post towards the end of the ceremony. "It’s a pretty big honour." She says, "A lot of people are really grateful to have someone perform it live, rather than have a track." Although this wasn't Emily's first time performing the Last Post in public, it doesn’t make the occasion any less daunting. "I’ve done it multiple times before, so I’m getting used to the pressure of it, but it’s definitely nerve-racking."

Attending the Anzac Memorial was not just a solemn observance, but a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made that have shaped our nation. The stories we heard and the traditions we honoured serve as a bridge between the past and the future. As we left the memorial, we carried with us a renewed commitment to remember and cherish the freedoms we enjoy today, thanks to the sacrifices of those who came before us. Lest we forget.

By Ruby Egan-Douglas and Mietta Palmer