2025 is TMC's 30th Anniversary!
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Save the Date - Lighting Up Young Minds For 30 Years Gala Anniversary Dinner
Tamborine Mountain College invites you to save the date for a spectacular evening celebrating 30 years of educational excellence. Join us for the Lighting Up Young Minds for 30 Years Gala Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, 30 August from 5:30PM to 9PM at the stunning Shambala Estate, located at 104 Beacon Road, Tamborine.
This milestone event will honour the College’s proud history and vibrant future as part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations. Further details to come—mark your calendar for a night of reflection, celebration, and connection.
Tamborine Mountain College - Teacher Feature
Robert Schonherr, Primary Teacher
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Teaching wasn’t always part of my plan, but when I moved to remote Maningrida in Arnhem Land, it was one of the few opportunities available. I gave it a go, and despite some challenging and emotional moments early on, I quickly discovered a passion for it. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have pursued?
I would have been a park ranger. With a background in wildlife management, it would have been a natural path—and one I would have absolutely loved.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing students completely engaged in their learning. Whether it’s a mind-blowing science experiment or a Maths program that finally clicks, those moments of excitement and understanding make it all worthwhile.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I spent two years working as an animal caretaker at Apenheul, a primate zoo in the Netherlands where most of the monkeys roam freely among visitors. It was an unforgettable experience!
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Dian Fossey. Her first hand stories about living in the mountainous regions of Central Africa while working to save mountain gorillas would be incredible to hear.
What’s your favourite book or movie, and why do you love it?
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It explores the idea that humans are natural runners, weaving together history, science, and incredible stories. It’s truly inspiring and made me fall in love with running even more.
What’s a memorable moment from your time at Tamborine Mountain College?
One of the most unforgettable moments was when our Year 5 students dissected owl pellets—not just any owls, but Powerful Owls. I don’t think this has ever been done before, anywhere. It was an incredible hands-on experience made possible through the collaboration between TMC and the Powerful Owl Project.
Share with us some of your greatest achievements in life?
Completing 15 marathons, running a 50K to celebrate my 50th birthday, marrying my wife in Hawaii, becoming a teacher, and migrating to Australia—best move ever!
What’s a piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Read more, bud.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
I love wildlife photography, running, and triathlons—and, of course, drinking coffee!
If you could learn a new skill instantly, what would it be?
Hablar español.
What’s one thing your students have taught you?
That every student is unique, everyone brings their own background and experiences—and no matter what, by the end of the year, we’ll have built a connection.
If you had to describe your teaching style in three words, what would they be?
Enthusiastic, dedicated, caring.
What’s your favourite thing about the Tamborine Mountain College community?
Everyone genuinely cares.
What’s one song that always puts you in a good mood and why?
"I'm Confident That I'm Insecure" by Lawrence. The brother-sister duo brings a quirky, fun, and soulful energy to their music—it’s impossible not to smile when listening!
Sports News
TMC Equestrian - South East Queensland Regional Interschool Championships by Ashlee Lowe
Last weekend, four of our students competed at the South East Queensland Regionals Interschool Championships. Each girl showed great sportsmanship and integrity throughout the entire weekend. A big congratulations to Emily S, Ashlee L, Amelia W and Kendra J for their achievements and results, including everyone getting some, if not all, of their qualifiers for the State Championships in a couple of months. Again, congratulations and good luck for your upcoming competitions!
Primary Preliminary Dressage:
Kendra J (Yr 2) - 5th
Primary Novice Dressage:
Kendra J (Yr 2) - 4th
Secondary Novice Dressage:
Amelia W (Yr 11) - 13th
Primary Show Hack:
Kendra J (Yr 2) - 3rd
Secondary Show Hunter:
Amelia W (Yr 11) - 1st
Secondary 80cm Showjumping:
Ashlee L (Yr 12) - 5th
Secondary 90cm Showjumping:
Emily S (Yr 12) - 6th
Secondary 1.20m Showjumping:
Ashlee L (Yr 12) - 1st
Secondary 2* Combined Training:
Ashlee L (Yr 12) - 3rd
Hinterland Green District Cross Country
We are incredibly proud of all our students form upper primary and secondary campus’ who represented TMC at the Hinterland Green District Cross Country event on Thursday 7 May at TSS in Southport! Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship were on full display as you tackled the challenging course with determination and enthusiasm.
A special congratulations to our talented Madison C, who placed third in the Girls 15 Yrs 4km event, qualifying for the South Coast Regional Cross Country competition—an outstanding achievement!
A huge well done to every runner—you’ve made our school community proud. Whether you placed or pushed through to the finish, your effort and team spirit are truly commendable.
We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents and teachers who came along to cheer on and support our students—your presence and encouragement made a real difference.
Mrs Louise Martin
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