Newsletter, Term 1, 2026

Our Term 1 Newsletter is here! Click on an area of interest or scroll through each section using the buttons at the end of each page.

It has been a delight to see the year commence with our new Entry students joining the TC community and our returning students reconnecting with school friends and staff. I have continued to get to know students and have also met many parents through ‘Coffee with the Principal’ mornings. I look forward to continuing these in Term 2, as well as having sessions to meet students in the same manner.  

Reflecting on this term, I have seen so many students learning in many ways. Walking around the school and observing classes, I can see that the students are engaged in interesting learning activities. In addition, there are many out-of-class activities that support the students like The Grad and Entry camps, Turtle Camp, excursions and guest speakers, sports days, the Pool Party and of course the ‘Staff Vs Student’ Community events. Being at the school each day, we get to see how many opportunities there are for the students to be involved, and to thank those who organise all these events. We are grateful for, and proud of, this work.  

The largest piece of work our leadership team did in Term 1 was the completion of the 4-yearly School Review. The review is now complete, and I am waiting for the final versions of the new School Strategic Plan, and the Review Report to be delivered to the school. These documents will lead the school's work to improve student outcomes. I will continue to communicate the highlights of our work through Next Week @TC. I would like to thank our School Council President, Claire O’Sullivan, and Ellie MacDougall and Glenn Morris, Principals of Camberwell High School and Doncaster Secondary College respectively, for their valuable roles in the review process.  

So much of what happens at TC is based on the hard work of the staff. I would like to recognise the immense investment of time and effort, well above what anyone could expect, that our wonderful staff contribute to the school. It is on their collective efforts that the success of our school is built. Thank you.  

I would like to thank the community for their welcome to me as the new Principal, and for their ongoing support of the school. It is this working together that allows us to focus on giving the best to our students, presenting them with the best opportunities for their futures. It allows us to ensure that every learner matters and that success is defined in its broadest sense.  

Finally, I wish every family a restful and safe school holiday period. It is a time to recharge and prepare for the return to Term 2 and another busy 10 weeks of learning and engagement. 

Daryl Bennett
Principal

Interview with the Principal

TC Journalist Dara sat down with Daryl to talk about the year so far, and what’s ahead for TC.

Over the first few months of this year our new Principal, Daryl, has been settling into his role. I decided to interview him to learn a bit about how this term has been going.

Q - “How has this term been?”.
A - “Things have settled quickly, and students have settled into learning.”

“We also had the School Review which involved staff and students… it will help us set goals for the future and figure out how to improve.”

Q - Some of this year’s Entry students have found it difficult, anything you’d recommend?
A - “I think clubs are a great place for students struggling to make connections, as we have so many and there’s something for everyone. S-Wing is also a safe place for students who might need a break. However, I do think we can do more in outlining how if you want to meet people there are places you can go and create connections.”

Tip for parents/carers: if your student is struggling to create connections with different people, looking at the extensive list of TC clubs posted on their Teams community page is a great tool.

Q - What are your plans for the coming year?
A - “There are two things I like to start working on, first keeping focus on what we are already doing, but also looking into academic skills and results.”

Daryl further explained how he wanted to “make sure every kid does the best they can, so when they finish, they have as many pathways as possible.”

His motto for learning is “Give us your best every day: that will be different every day.”

He commented how “we can do more in establishing clearer pathways to support students”

Q - Is there anything you’re thinking about to prevent students from burning out?
A - “Reduce the pressure to be judged by your ATAR, as there are multiple ways to define success, whether it be an ATAR, VET certificate or portfolio.”

Q - Anything else you’d like to add?
A - “I’m really excited and thrilled to be here!”

Author’s note:

I think the issues Daryl addressed are particularly important for students and I am, as I’m sure most of you are, interested in seeing what the year ahead will turn out to be. The conclusion of the School Review sounds promising in making TC the best it can be.

See you next term!

Dara C
TC Journalist

WEEK 1

• Monday 20 April - Staff PD Day - no students on site

• Tuesday 21 April - Term 2 classes begin

WEEK 2

• Monday 27 April-Friday 1 May - MAP Farm Camp

• Tuesday 28 April - Senior Sport: AFL Boys, Netball Girls, Badminton

• Thursday 30 April - Entry, FLE 3 and Meningococcal B Immunisations - more information has been sent via on Compass.
  ℹ️Consent must be provided to Manningham Council via their Vitavo system: 🔗https://manningham.book.vitavo.com.au/school/TemplestoweCollege-64IOq3