Next Week @TC

26/05/2023

• MAP Q&A Session

• Thursday 15th June - No Classes Running Onsite Due to GAT Exam

• Child Safe Student Briefings

• Laughs with Staff EPISODE 10

• TCNEWS - The Australian Education Awards

MAP Q&A Session

Thursday 15th June - No Classes Running Onsite Due to GAT Exam

On Thursday 15th June the State is running the GAT Exam. This exam is a 3 hour (for VM Students) - 5 hour (for all VCE students sitting at least 1 VCE Unit 3/4 subject) exam. Due to the large number of students who will be sitting this exam (well over 300) we do not have the space to run classes on the day. We therefore use this as a day to run our staff Professional Practice Day that all schools are required to hold to minimise the disruption through the year. There will therefore be no on site classes running on this day. For those students who need supervision on the day we will have a supervised space open but students will not be able to access A & B Wing, or S Wing the Hub or the portables.

Those students sitting the GAT have a briefing in Connect on Wednesday in the PAC, and VM students are being briefed in their classes.

Child Safe Student Briefings

At the end of the week we will begin our annual Child Safe Student briefings. We (the Principal group) meet with year level cohorts one group at a time (splitting our Entry and FLE1 students into 2 groups) to brief students on an overview of our school policies on:

• Bullying and Harassment

• Anti smoking, drugs and alcohol

• Relationships within the school

• General student safety and child safe practices

These will usually take 20 minutes for each cohort and are tailored to be age specific. Each event will appear on Compass. More information on these policies can be found on our school website.

Laughs with Staff Episode 10

Transcript: Laughs with Staff
Athletics Day Edition
Episode 10.

Watch it now on Instagram

What crime do you think you would be most likely to accidentally commit?
Meg: Probably theft because I’m always stealing things out of hard rubbish and I might accidentally take something that belongs to someone
Ellie: Probably a restraining order against Louis Tomlinson
Kat: Jaywalking!
Hayden: I think I’d be in debt to some people
Everyone: [laughs]
Jack: Smuggling weapons
Everyone: [laughs]
Jessie: I would forgot I had something on me and walk out a shop a steal it. I’m very forgetful.
Leija: Yeah I would have to agree and I have done that and likely to do it again.
Everyone: [laughs]
Guy: Probably tax fraud it might have already been said but I’m not on top of that stuff or I might miss something that’s there. Yeah the Tax Department might come after me.
Neil: The easiest one is probably speeding. I am extremely law abiding because I would hate to be locked up or even handcuffed because I’m claustrophobic and the thought of being locked up behind bars would freak me out. So I’m law abiding only other than fear.
Everyone: [laughs]
Tony “Cozza”: I’d get done on a camera for looking at my phone while I’m driving.
Everyone: [laughs]
Tony “Cozza”: In fact I think I already have been.
Everyone: [laughs]

The Australian Education Awards

TC's purpose, to "challenge the status quo so that everyone is empowered to learn" was recognised on a national level this month when it was announced that our school has been shortlisted for the Australian Government Secondary School of the Year! TC has been shortlisted for this award in 2019 and 2021, demonstrating our continued goal to challenge the status quo as we look to set the standard for progressive education in Australia. The Australian Education Awards recognise and celebrate the "outstanding achievements of the country’s top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers' educational excellence". Our principal, Peter Ellis, wrote the successful application, with staff then nominating themselves to attend the award show, held on Friday the 11th of August in Sydney!  

In line with the criteria, Peter believes over the last 12 months, our "programs, mindset and culture continue to inspire the many educators who visit us each year, as well as those within our community." Last year our school focused on "consistency of practice across the school" and the "implementation of new programs that enhanced the sense of connectedness that students felt to their community", which can be seen through the new Community Integrated Learning weeks that occur throughout each term, with a common theme such as, 'Global Citizenship' or 'Body, Mind and Spirit', incorporated throughout all of our classes with additional whole school activities and events for students and staff. The highlight for our school community was "Our Place on Country" week, which as Peter explains, resulted in the "relationship with our local First Nations peoples strengthen[ed], including our staff all learning and then implementing First Nations pedagogies into their classes."

The creation of our new School Strategic Plan, titled "TC: The Next Level" was also a major milestone for our school last year. The plan came off the back of a school review which collated from the school, feedback from the diverse members of our community and of course, TC's ongoing purpose to innovate. Similarly, aligning with the introduction of "5-year plans" for all TC staff, the school successfully implemented a talent management framework to "support our aspiring leaders in developing their leadership capabilities." The school has also continued to think entrepreneurially to "manage resources to provide unique opportunities" for our students and staff and create "authentic learning to develop a set of measures for transferable skills, through staff professional development", which are being, fully implemented this year!

Last year through staff collaboration, this was further enhanced with TC's 150 + subjects focusing on existing as cross-curricular and supportive of each student's chosen pathway, which was strengthened by the processes of our individualised learning plan for each of our 1250 students, with no compulsory subjects! Also, in terms of academic results, VCE Scored students continued to "achieve at high levels, with an increasing number of students entering tertiary education through alternative pathways."

Over the last year, the TC Student Employability Program grew further after a revamp to see more areas of the school supported by student employees in roles such as Journalist, Maintenance, Lab Techs, Tutors and more. TC Consultancy also grew and consists of staff and students, delivering "professional development sessions to over 100 schools in 2022, supporting other schools from all across Australia from different sectors to challenge their thinking about what education can look like." We also saw the implementation of a new Sexual Education program which emerged after students found traditional programs did not align with the needs of young people today. As a result, they worked collaboratively with staff at the school to create the whole school program and support the delivery of this.

In addition, Meg Bailey, was also nominated for Secondary School Teacher of the Year, which is a massive achievement! Since her start at TC, Meg Bailey has been a shining example of a devoted and passionate teacher, As her nominator and Assistant Principal, Wendy Gooley, describes Meg as someone who is continuously striving to make TC a better place and "truly embodies our 'Yes is the Default' philosophy. " 

 "Meg has great energy, [is] passionate about her subjects, there for her students and is constantly contributing to programs ... This year she is working on PBL's, Student Agency, Peer Support, Science Talent Search, Indigenous Science, Bee Club and EAG. In the past, she [Meg] has built the Zen garden and formed a partnership with Takuilau College in Tonga", she said. 

Here, I spoke to the staff members that will be attending the event. Read on. 

Why do you want to attend the awards ceremony?
Mia: It would be a memorable experience to be a part of this occasion in celebrating our school and teacher nominations (and hopefully WIN). It will be an opportunity to come together and show our appreciation for the dedication and commitment that goes into fostering a culture of learning and growth. I hope to be inspired by the stories and accomplishments and be part of an event that highlights and celebrates the importance of education. It is also an opportunity to continue to build collegiate relationships with my peers and network with other educators to improve learning outcomes for our students.
Iona: I wanted to go for a few reasons, as a leader in the school I wanted to go as a proud representative and advocate of TC; I wanted to share our unique vision with other attendees and experience other views from different nominated schools, and finally to celebrate what an amazing success this is for the school community.
Wendy: As Meg's nominee and someone who works closely with her, I'd really love to be there to celebrate her achievement. As someone in our leadership team, I'd also appreciate being part of the whole school award as its nomination includes many projects I contribute to or lead.
Stephanie: To be able to be there to support one of our incredible staff members receiving an award and to be part of a momentous occasion if we are to receive the award for TC. 
Ceri: Having been a member of TC for 11 years, I would love to be a part of celebrating so many of the great things we do and the wonderful people who work here. I am extremely proud of what we are and where we've come and have watched a lot of change and growth occur in my various roles. 

What difference has TC made in your career?
Sophie: I started working at TC in 2011 straight out of uni and have never left! I love how TC has given me the opportunity to work alongside great staff members and let my job evolve so I have been able to have so many great experiences. I've been the Resource Centre Manager, I did the Head of House role before we moved to communities and now I manage communications, student course planning & student employability!
Wendy: TC has given me lots of opportunities to try new ideas, innovate in our programs and make a difference in our student outcomes. I have been involved in developing the Solutions science course, the point-of-need Entry and FLE maths program, the Entry and FLE PBL's and the rollout of our EMS. I have also had lots of opportunities to grow as a leader in the school from Science learning area leader through to my new role as Acting Assistant Principal. I now get to spend time helping mentor other leaders in our school, particularly our Learning Area and EMS leaders.
Iona: I’ve learnt so much about the different ways education can be undertaken and that the ‘one-size’ fits all method certainly doesn’t work. Whilst I’m not a teacher, I still can see the engagement students have with being at school which is amazing to see, it’s very different to other schools I’ve been at! I’ve had incredible opportunities to up-skill at TC and to help others achieve their goals which has grown my career immensely. 
Ceri: Being part of student wellbeing and Community - it has allowed me to get to know a range of students outside of the classroom, I love problem-solving so trying to help families find solutions to challenges at school is very rewarding. 
Mini: When I started at TC I was relatively new to teaching after a long career working on my own as a designer, children's book illustrator and author. Working with others has given me a sense of community and I have benefited so much from collaborating with both students and staff. The unique approach to student voice here keeps me on my toes as we are continually developing new learning tasks that are broad and interesting enough to appeal to students passions and skills. Sometimes it's easy to forget that students are not the only learners in a school! TC has also offered a number of leadership and professional development opportunities that have allowed me to challenge myself, grow, and learn. 
Mia: TC really makes you think outside the square! You are consistently innovating your teaching approach, lessons and content. I feel encouraged to experiment and try new things in my classes and have definitely been a part of events and things that you don't see at other schools! 

What contribution have you made to TC that is most meaningful to you?
Sophie: One of the things I am most proud of is the upskilling I have done in tech and I now manage the website. Through this process I created the Subject Selection Website which is an integral part of the Course Planning Process and so much better and interactive than a static PDF document! Also working alongside Tim to improve our ILP platform for subject selection. 
Michelle: Getting the Entry English and PE joint PBL project up in 2022 was a huge cross-curricular project that I invested lots of passion into. Seeing it come to fruition was really cool. Working to get a school library up and running in 2023 has also meant a lot to me.
Wendy: The biggest impact my contributions have had has been the development of the Entry and FLE maths programs but I think my biggest impact long term will be the importance of teaching Expanded Measures of Success (EMS) skills to support the development of the whole learner.
Mini: I hope that my major contribution to TC is to develop relationships with students so that they develop and value creative thinking and feel proud of what they can achieve. 
Mia: Working within the Community Teams has been and continues to be a meaningful role to me at TC as I get to know a lot of students, and families and work together with lots of staff to be able to support everyone achieve their best. I have also loved seeing media grow as a subject!

What do you think may distinguish TC from another awardee?
Sophie: We are unique! I always say every day at TC is different and we are really trying to make everyone's experience the best it can be. I have currently been working with the International Team on recruitment, and talking to students their main feedback about TC is it is so great to be able to choose your own subjects right away, this definitely distinguishes us from other schools at an Australian and international level. 
Michelle: TC is genuinely a place that tries to challenge the traditional ways of doing education. It is also a place where all individuals have opportunities to thrive. I think this sets us apart from other state schools that may be working towards this but not consolidated it in the way we have.
Iona: I think it’s all the amazing things that make TC what it is - our subjects, our student-centred focus, our community and the feeling that everyone is excited to contribute and be a part of it!
Ceri: We are not a one-size-fits-all school, we cater to such a diverse range of abilities and interests which I think is rare in a school setting. We as a school do not accept that the traditional school system is the right one for everyone, and continually work with students and families to figure out what is possible in education. 
Mia: We challenge the status quo and push boundaries! We aren't afraid to experiment and are always seeking to improve.

To view the extended responses click here.

Although this is only a snapshot of the continued evolution of TC, "our entrepreneurial leadership and mindset, matched with our strong culture of innovation, ensure that our current programs have continued to develop in 2022, alongside the introduction of new programs within the school". 

A huge thanks to the whole TC Community for their continued support of our school. 

We wish all staff attending the award show the best of luck on their trip to Sydney and look forward to continuing to challenge the status quo!

By Bonnie-Mai Smith
TC Journalist

Last Weeks Announcements

• Zoos Victoria Survey

• New Canteen Ordering System

• TC Merchandise - an update

• Laughs with Staff EPISODE 9

Zoos Victoria Survey

Students Delanah and Millyca are currently part of a youth leadership program with Zoos Victoria! They are doing a project looking at rubbish made by high schools and students . As part of this, they have a survey that they would like everyone to complete. They need as many responses as possible, so send it to friends (at TC or from another school), teachers, your parents, and anyone else you think of. This is based around high schools so anyone working or learning at a high school can complete it. It will take about 5-10 minutes.
https://bit.ly/3mMuCJT
Thank you!

New Canteen Ordering System

TC Merchandise Update

A reminder that students and staff can purchase TC Beanies anytime at the general office for $15. As the weather gets colder they are a great addition to your TC wardrobe! We also currently have an order open for our new TC Sweater - closing next Friday. Order yours today through reform: https://shop.reformclothing.com/join/t94741.

We will also be opening an order of the standard hoodie and zip hoodie in week 6 for studebts interested in those designs.

Laughs with staff episode 9

Transcript: Laughs with Staff 
S-Wing Edition 
Episode 9

Watch it on Instagram now

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Sophie: Ive just finished ‘Factfulness’ the book for English 1/2 and its all about learning ore about the world and a really good piece of advice in that was “Be humble. It’s ok not to know everything”

Amy: Oooh, when you asked me that before I find that really difficult to answer because there are lots of pieces of advice I have received that have been great. But one of the most important is that “Your best looks different everyday” so sometimes we are absolutely on fire and kicking goals, other times we’re struggling through the day so its about being gentle on yourself.

Craig: There was one I really found I kinda knew but didn’t really know until I got much older and that is “Follow your heart” and I kinda overthink things a lot. So “listen to what your heart tells you is right for you and “sometimes be a bit selfish” and

Rita + Mei
Rita - This one was from my grandmother and it “When one door closes many more open”
Mei - Mine is “never sleep hungry”
Chloe “Oh that’s such a good idea”

Duncan
“Don’t worry what other people think, just be true to yourself!”

Previous Weeks Announcements

• TC Principal Group - An Update

• Community Events Sign Up in SWING

• TC Camps

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.

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. 

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 TC NEWS Articles

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 

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

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

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.