Next Week @TC

04/04/2025

• Term 1 Newsletter

• TC School Tours for Entry 2026 Students

• Term 2 Dates and Calendar

Term 1 Newsletter

TC SCHOOL TOURS FOR ENTRY 2026 students

Applications for Year 6 to Year 7 enrolments for the 2026 school year will be available from the beginning of Term 2.

Tours for siblings of current students are being held exclusively for current Grade 6 students from 22 April – 9 May. Please click on this link to book in for one of these tours. Places limited and filling up fast. Please click here to book you tour. https://www.trybooking.com/DAMCF

Term 2 Dates and Calendar

Key dates for Term 2:

• 22nd April - Students Return

• 20th May - Athletics Carnival for all students

• 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

Last Weeks Announcements

• The Morrisby Profile

• Vote for Will Genat’s Film in Top Screen People’s Choice Award

• TC School Council

• Student Safety and E-Bike Use on School Grounds

The Morrisby Profile

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Department of Education provides all FLE2/Year 9 students in Victorian Government schools with free access to the Morrisby Profile, a world-leading career education tool. The My Career Insights program is designed to help students explore their strengths, abilities, and career options, giving them the confidence to take control of their future.

The Morrisby Profile is a comprehensive career assessment and guidance platform that helps students identify their interests, skills, and aptitudes. Through a series of quizzes, questionnaires, and exercises, it provides personalised career recommendations and suggests suitable education and vocational pathways. The assessments are conducted in a structured and confidential manner, with the results used solely to support students in making informed decisions about their future.

As part of our commitment to career education, we are offering all eligible students the opportunity to participate in the Morrisby profiling.

Key Program Details:

• Morrisby Information Session (FLE2 Students): PAC, Friday 2nd May 2025.

• Morrisby Profiling Date: Monday, 12th May 2025.

• Unpacking Interviews: Scheduled between Monday, 2nd June – Friday, 6th June 2025. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

Consent & Participation:

Participation in the Morrisby program is voluntary, and parental consent is required. If you wish for your child to participate, please provide consent via Compass.

For more information, visit the Morrisby website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at kbuc@tc.vuc.edu.au.

Thank you for your support in your child’s career exploration journey.

Kind regards,
Kate Buchanan
Careers and Pathways

Vote for Will Genat’s Film in Top Screen People’s Choice Award

Congratulations to School Captain Will Genat whose film 'A Family Affair' has been selected for Top Screen, presented as part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2025, Top Screen gives you a unique opportunity to view the work and creative processes of Victoria’s next generation of filmmakers. Not only this but 'A Family Affair' is nominated for the People Choice Award! We would love the TC community to support this great work and vote! https://surveys.vcaa.vic.edu.au/n/2b7fwR6?ver=10279612651373375917

A Family Affair
William Genat | Mockumentary/Crime | 10 min
This mockumentary chronicles Melbourne’s most notorious crime family when thrust into hiding following a chaotic garden party. Inspired by the works of Martin Scorsese and mockumentary conventions, A Family Affair satirically explores the complexities of family and the absurdity of the criminal underworld.
VCE Media 2024, Templestowe College, Templestowe, Wurundjeri Country
Full film available as part of Top Screen at ACMI and as part of Top Design at Melbourne Museum (folio also displayed)

TC School Council for 2025

We would like to welcome the TC School Council members for 2025/26
President - Claire O'Sullivan.

Student Safety and E-Bike Use on School Grounds

At TC, we are proud of the enthusiasm many of our students show for riding to school and maintaining their own bikes. Active transport is a fantastic way to start the day and supports both wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

We’d like to remind our community that all vehicles brought onto school grounds must comply with Victorian road laws. In particular, electric bikes (e-bikes) must not exceed a motor power of 250 watts in order to be legally ridden. You can find more about this here: Electric bikes - Transport Victoria

We have become aware of some bikes arriving on site that do not meet these legal requirements. For the safety of all students, staff, and families, any vehicle that is illegal or unsafe is not permitted on school property.

We also know that some of our students are passionate about building or modifying their bikes, which is a great hands-on learning opportunity. If your child is interested in this, we would love to explore how this could be supported through a school project or safe learning initiative.

Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and inclusive for everyone. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,
Ceri Davies
Assistant Principal - Transition and Community Executive Teams

Previous Weeks Announcements

• Expanded Measures of Success - Some Information on This

• From our Specialised Wellbeing Team - Raise Mentoring Program

• From one of our students - looking for parents to talk about their Careers

• Enrolment Details - We need these to be checked so that our records are accurate

• Announcement RE TC Principal

• WASHI Release

• Panorama Buses inc New Stop

• Wrap up of attendance information

• Parents Onsite

• Work Experience Information

Expanded Measures of Success (EMS) - Some Information on This

It is coming to the end of Term 1 and students will be getting feedback on the learning tasks they have been completing this term. At TC we believe that learning is broader than only test scores and curriculum content, and our students all have the chance to develop their skills in what we call our Expanded Measures of Success (the EMS). The EMS include, Working with Others, Independence, Active Citizenship and Creative Thinking. These are skills that can contribute towards someone being successful in life, no matter what they do.

Students in Entry and FLE subjects will be getting feedback on their EMS abilities alongside their curriculum knowledge and we want to make sure our community understand what these expanded measures are. Information on the expanded measures can be found on the TC website at TC - Learning.

At the start of Term 2 students will be setting learning goals for their EMS skills so now is a great time to start thinking about which areas they want to develop.

From our Specialised Wellbeing Team - Raise Mentoring Program

Dear TC parents,

TC will be offering the Raise mentoring program again for this year.

Raise is an external organisation that provide a Youth mentoring program that aims to improve student wellbeing and engagement through one-to-one mentoring.

Here is a link to a video with more information.

The program is available for any student in FLE 1 or 2, however we only have a limited number of how many can participate, so first in best dressed. We are running a student information session next Wednesday the 26th of March period 2 where RAISE program facilitator and past raise students will talk about the program. If you would like your child to attend this information session to gauge whether they want to take part in the program, please let us know via email wellbeing@tc.vic.edu.au. We highly recommend the RAISE program. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Kindest regards,

TC wellbeing team. 

From one of our students - looking for parents to talk about their Careers

From one of our student leaders: TC is looking into implementing a new program where students to choose what speakers they’d like to hear. There will be an option for career based speakers, so we’d like to know if any TC parents would like to come and speak about what they do. We can then look at building this into our planning for the program. If you are a parent who would be willing to come to TC and speak about your career or your job/profession, can you please fill out this form.

Enrolment Details - We need these to be checked so that our records are accurate

Please find here a copy of an email sent to all families through Compass this week:

Each year, schools receive funding based on family information provided at enrolment. To ensure TC gets the funding it deserves, we need your help in updating your details.

Please take a moment to complete the form (in the email) with your correct occupation and education levels. Providing accurate information is important - if details are overstated or left blank, the school may miss out on valuable funding that supports your child’s education.

All information is strictly confidential and used only for funding purposes. If you have any questions or need help filling out the form, please call our office at 9850 6333 - we’re happy to assist! Thank you for your support. The TC General Office.

Announcement RE TC Principal

Please find below the announcement of a change in Principal as Peter Ellis will be moving on in term three following 15 years here @ TC working in various different leadership positions. This has been shared through email this week, along with a different message sent to students and staff.

To the TC Community,

It is with mixed feelings that I write to inform you of my decision to step down as Principal of TC at the beginning of Term 3 this year, following 15 incredible years at the school.

I have recently accepted the position of Head of Secondary School at the Australian International School in Singapore. This decision was not made out of dissatisfaction with TC or the Victorian State Education System; rather, it is the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to lead in an international school setting in Singapore. While I am excited about this new chapter, leaving TC—a place that has meant so much to me—is undoubtedly bittersweet.

Throughout my 15 years at TC, including the past eight as Principal, I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary students, staff, and families. Together, we have built a school that continuously challenges the status quo of education, prioritising relationships, agency, authenticity, and a shared commitment to empowering learners. Whether it has been removing year levels, broadening our assessment measures beyond traditional exam scores, or embedding a whole-school, multifaceted wellbeing program, TC has always embraced bold and innovative change in pursuit of what is best for our students.

I am confident that I leave the school in a strong position. TCs’ leadership teams are highly skilled, well-resourced, and deeply committed to the values that define our community. I know they will continue to uphold and evolve the purpose we have all worked so hard to build. While no school is ever perfect, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

The process to appoint a new Principal will be led by the College Council in partnership with the Department of Education, following the required Ministerial Order. I will update the community on timelines as more details become available. I have no doubt that the new Principal will be warmly welcomed and well-supported, as this community has always prioritised what is best for its students. I am sharing this news with parents first, trusting that you can help reassure students that this transition will be managed thoughtfully and will not disrupt their learning or experience at TC.

Writing this letter has been one of the most difficult tasks of my career. TC has left an indelible mark on me, just as I hope I have on it. I will cherish the memories, the relationships, and the profound sense of purpose that being part of this school has given me. Thank you for your support, your trust, and your unwavering commitment to our shared vision of education.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Peter Ellis
Principal

Work and Study Habits Index

All students should now be able to see their results of their first WASHI for the year. The WASHI is our way of providing students with feedback on their work and study habits from each of their teachers.

Students are assessed against the following criteria:

• Readiness to learn: Do you come to class with the required materials, pre-learning completed and an open mind? 

• Behaviour: Does your behaviour help to build a focused and inclusive environment? 

• Participation and contribution: Do you actively engage with and contribute to classroom learning? 

• Academic effort: Do you complete all required tasks and actively seek to extend your skills? 

For each criteria, students receive a scale statement, either ‘Exemplary, Consistent, Needs Improvement or Not Yet Demonstrated’. 

A student who receives a ‘Consistent’ rating consistently meets the high expectations we hold for our young people at TC. Students receiving ‘Exemplary’ are those who go above and beyond these expectations; students who receive a ‘Needs Improvement’ are not yet meeting the expectations. If students or families have questions about the WASHI, please get in touch with your classroom teacher. 

Panorama Buses

We have recently engaged with Panoroma Buses regarding some disruptions and general servicing issues reported to us by students and families. Our priority is that this service is reliable and safe for our students. If you have any concerns about the Panorama services, please direct them to Darren Irvine, DIR@tc.vic.edu.au, who is now the liaison for these matters. 

NEW STOP - The morning St Helena Service - 7:58 Sherbourne Rd. before Rattray Rd roundabout, Right Karingal, Right Weidlich.

For all detailed stops please visit our transport page.

Wrap up of attendance information

For all messages about attendance please visit - TC - Attendance and Absences this page covers:

• General Attendance

• Late Arrival Process

• Leaving the College Grounds

• Leaving Early

• Unexplained Absences

• VCE/VM & VET Attendance

Parents Onsite

Just a friendly reminder that any parents coming onsite need to go to the General Office and sign in before being accompanied to where they are going. We do this for the safety of all of our students and Community in line with our Child Safe Practices.

Work Experience Information

NEW work experience resources have been created with information for students and families. Information can be found on the TC - Subject selection website. https://www.subjects.tc.vic.edu.au/work-experience

Previous TCNEWS Articles

Community events

Throughout the year, student leaders and teachers at TC work together to organise and develop various community events. These events offer opportunities for students to engage in diverse activities around the school with their peers, encouraging them to connect in a meaningful way. Some past events have been community chess, badminton, and table tennis, which cater to different interests. These competitions not only boost school spirit but also foster teamwork and friendship among participants.

"The community events bring students together and promote sportsmanship and team work." Green community leader Dara Cucos says. "Students gain a sense of belonging and community."

Events help students build their confidence and showcase their talents to the school community. Each event is planned to ensure that everyone feels included and has the chance to have fun.

This term, our leaders have started the year with a bang!

Pool party

The 2025 pool party took place on May 3rd and was a fantastic day for everyone who attended. The weather was perfect, bright and sunny! Participants enjoyed a variety of entertaining activities throughout the day, from fun games to leisurely swimming. One of the highlights was the student-run stalls that dotted the pool area. Some stalls were run by the VM program, offering sausages and snow cones to hungry contestants. In addition to the tasty food, other stalls provided bracelet making and face painting, making it a great chance for students to socialise and connect with one another.

"The swimming carnival has been my favourite as there are many activities and its a great day to spend with friends." Dara says.

Everyone was buzzing with excitement and anticipation, wondering which community would earn the most points to win the cup. Would it be Blue, Red, Green, or Gold?

The announcement of the winning community at the end of the day had everyone hooting with pride. It was Gold! The excitement and connections made during the Pool party reflected in people's conversations, leaving everyone eager for the next chance to come together and compete once more.

Community Basketball

On Tuesday, March 6, the annual basketball tournament took place at lunch on the astroturf. Energetic and eager students filled the area as leaders announced the competition, featuring different communities vying against one another. Small teams played valiantly, striving to score the most hoops and secure the cup for their community. It was a fantastic event, and all participants should feel proud. The final scores were as follows:

Red =  1st
Green  = 2nd
Gold =  3rd
Blue = 4th

Community Soccer

Last week, the much-anticipated community soccer showdown unfolded at lunchtime. Students flocked to the astroturf, their cheers filling the air as the organizers started the event, showcasing teams from each community ready to battle for glory. Each squad brought their talents, showcasing impressive skills and a fierce determination to net the most goals and claim the trophy for their community. The atmosphere was electric, brimming with friendship and sportsmanship. As the last game came to an end, everyone looked to each other to see which community had won........It was Blue Community!

Community dodgeball

Every year, the community dodgeball competition spikes interest for many of TC's students, offering a fun, fast-paced game of tactics and teamwork. This year, our four communities battled it out for the Dodgeball 2025 trophy, a shiny reward encouraging collaboration and contribution.

The SportsCenter was buzzing with anticipation and eagerness to win the trophy for their community. From the sidelines, students applauded and cheered for their friends, creating a captivating and enthralling environment, and drawing others in. After putting in their all, the community that came away with the trophy was Red Community, making that their second win of the year!

This tells us that Green community is yet to win their first trophy, with Red in the lead, closely followed by Gold and Blue. As we look forward to more exciting competitions and community activities, let’s continue to support each other and celebrate our achievements, big and small.

"These events can be really supportive, positive and fun!" Dara encourages all TC students to grasp all opportunities. The energy and enthusiasm displayed during these events truly embody the spirit of our school. Here’s to making even more memories together this year!

By Mietta Palmer

Students plunge into Ruffey Creek to Uncover Ecosystem Secrets

As part of their Pre-Biology studies, students have actively engaged in hands-on scientific learning through a field excursion to Ruffey Creek, a local riparian ecosystem. Clara Heiligenberg and Asha Asha are the coordinating teachers for the excursion, with each of their Pre Bio classes participating in the excursion during one of their recent lessons.

This experience is designed to help students apply their understanding of ecosystem health and scientific research methods in a real-world setting.

"Students observed the creek and took notes on the species and health of any plants surrounding it. They also collected water samples, which will be analyzed for water quality and macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects, worms, snails, etc.) populations in the following lessons", says Clara.

"This task is a great introduction to how fieldwork is completed by career biologists, but I also hope that students will develop a more general awareness of what to look out for in the environments they see and identify any problems that they could help solve!"

During their first Biology lesson of the week, students ventured down to Ruffey Creek to assess the health of the freshwater ecosystem. They focused on observing plant species and examining key indicators of ecosystem health at two designated sites. The class took 6 water samples, three from each site, to examine in the next few classes. Students worked collaboratively with each other in small groups to complete a field booklet, which will serve as a key assessment component, requiring students to reflect on their fieldwork, interpret their findings, and evaluate the health of Ruffey Creek. Some of the things the students had to note were plant species and invasive plants on the Verge, Bank or in the river itself. By participating in this experience, students have developed practical skills in the scientific field that they will be able to use further in their studies.

Lesson 2 of the week brought students together in the classroom to identify native insect species in the samples collected from Ruffey Creek. Using Pitri dishes and pipettes to examine small sections of the water and examine insect species, "Students worked together to decide which details of the environment were important to consider when assessing the health of an ecosystem," says Clara.

"In the following week, students will write a short report detailing their own assessment of the health (or lack thereof) of the creek and if any steps need to be taken to improve its health."

As students continue their Pre-Biology studies, this hands-on experience has provided them with valuable insight into real-world scientific research. By engaging in fieldwork and analysis, they have gained a deeper understanding of ecosystem health and the importance of environmental awareness. The findings from their reports will contribute to their learning task 2 in the following weeks, ensuring that the education of TC students goes on learning and growing alongside Ruffey Creek's thriving ecosystem for years to come. Thanks for tuning in ☺️

By Ruby Egan Douglas and Mietta Palmer

Welcome Back TC!

Welcome to the new school year of 2025! TC is thrilled to welcome both returning and new students back to campus, with many exciting activities planned to kick off the year!

Community assemblies were held throughout the past two weeks to discuss what's happening here at TC, so let's take a look.

Legally Blond is our school production this year and auditions for roles are being held throughout the next few weeks. Rehearsals are held on Fridays after school, 2:15 - 3:30 pm and increasing to 4 pm later in the year. If you're interested in joining you can find more information on your community teams page.

Exciting community events such as dodgeball, basketball, and the TC pool party are coming up, and we encourage everyone to participate! These events are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, foster community spirit, and have a great time with friends. The TC pool party offers clubs and classes a chance to set up market stalls for extra funding. It's a great way to showcase your group and engage more students.

As we kick off the school year, we’d also like to remind everyone about the updated mobile phone policy. In line with government guidelines, students are not allowed to have their phones out during the school day, including while walking or sitting, in the classroom or recess and lunch. The policy does not apply to smartwatches and headphones only mobile phones. For those who need to use a phone for health reasons, provisions have been put in place to support these students. We appreciate everyone working towards a focused learning environment for all. More information on this policy can be found on our website TC - Mobile Phone Policy.

Here at TC, we also have an amazing range of clubs, both after school and during lunch times. Whether you're interested in sports, arts, technology, or community service, there's something for everyone! These clubs are a great way to explore new interests, make lasting friendships, and contribute to the vibrant spirit of our school. Be sure to take a look at the flyers around the school to find out what clubs are available, and get involved in something that excites you!

You might have already heard, but this year, we're improving Connect. Our Alpine group, which lived at Dinner Plain for the majority of term 4 in 2024, has been working hard with teachers to create a more engaging class. During our back-to-school community assemblies, Alpine representatives Jessica and Dara pitched and explained our CLP to the students and the rest of the school so everyone can stay informed with the latest updates.

"We decided to focus our CLP on Connect because we have noticed and experienced the lack of consistency across all Connect groups, which has led to students becoming disengaged, " they explained. Our idea to implement Connect Leaders is still relevant, and this term we've been working hard to confirm the role of the Connect Leaders.

They will be students from FLE 1 and above who serve for one semester, with a new leader chosen each semester. Initially focused on older students, connect leaders will plan activities, promote community events, and attend biweekly meetings for support. Their role is crucial for fostering change within the Connect groups so that everyone is empowered to learn.  

"Over the coming weeks, each Connect group will be required to choose one leader. Your group will be able to choose how you want to select your leader, and your teacher will be given a PowerPoint resource to help you. If you are interested, start thinking about what you could do to help your Connect group – the possibilities are endless, and we are really excited to see what everyone can do!"

We'll be working on this over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more information and to find out how YOU can apply to help run connect!

As we dive into another year full of possibilities, we’re excited to see everyone embracing new opportunities, making memories, and building a stronger TC community. Here’s to a year full of growth, success, and fun—let's make it the best one yet!

By Ruby Egan Douglas and Mietta Palmer

Dive Into the Fun: TC’s Biggest Pool Party Yet

The most exciting event of the year is just around the corner! On Tuesday, March 4, TC students and staff will dive into a day of fun, competition, and community spirit at Aquarena for our annual Pool Party. As part of our Step Outside theme, this festival-style event promises something for everyone!

The day is filled of fun exciting activities from the Grad's costume parade to live music by TC's very own bands and performers. Student-run-stalls and delicious food from the pool canteen will also be available on the day, so make sure you bring some cash!

The day also includes swimming competitions and games, or just a free swim and of course friendly community competition to go towards the community cup!

"The Pool Party is a great event because it has so many different events and things going on, so there's something for everyone," Says Gold community leader, Jessica Ryles.

What's Happening?
From traditional swimming races to novelty events and Laps For Life charity swims, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the water. Not a swimmer? No worries! There will be face painting, water slides, art, circus performances, and live music running all day long. Whether you're competing, cheering on your friends, or just soaking in the atmosphere, this is an unmissable event!

Students will begin the day at TC as usual, checking in with their Connect groups before walking down to Aquarena with their Connect Mentors. The event will run until 2:30 PM, at which time the school buses will be departing directly from Aquarena. Please note that no school buses will leave from TC on this day, so all students should make appropriate travel arrangements accordingly.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, students should come prepared with their swimmers, a hat, and sunglasses. Given the outdoor nature of the event, it is also essential to bring sunscreen and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day and remember the Slip, slap slop rule. Slip on protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat. Additionally, students should pack food and snacks to keep their energy up, as there will be plenty of activities to participate in. Being well-prepared will help everyone make the most of this fun-filled day.

"It is a great day to be hanging out with your friends at the pool and I would definitely recommend coming along!" says Jessica.

So, get ready for an unforgettable day of swimming, music, art, and fun. With an incredible lineup of activities and entertainment, this event is one of the highlights of the school year.

How do I get involved?
That's the easy bit! You're getting involved just by being there and taking part in the event. Try to give everything a go and get all you can out of the amazing day. If you want to go even further and run events or a stall fill out your business proposition on your community team page and if you have any questions please message Em Cormack or Meg Bailey on teams.

By Mietta Palmer