The Lions' Roar 23/10/2026

Creativity gives us wings. Imagination helps us soar.

All are welcome to ArtsFest 2026: Wings of Wonder on Saturday, 24 October, from 10.00am to 2.00pm, as Tamborine Mountain College comes alive for a wonderful celebration of creativity, imagination and the extraordinary talents of our students.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of our College, ArtsFest will transform the campus into a vibrant showcase of art, music, drama and creative expression, giving our students the opportunity to share their talents with families, friends and the wider community.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore student artwork and creative displays, watch live painters and roaming artists at work, enjoy live music and performances, and experience the energy of our young performers taking centre stage. There will also be food trucks, delicious treats and plenty of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

One of the highlights of ArtsFest will be our Primary students taking to the stage at 11.00am for Madagascar: A Musical Adventure KIDS. Bookings are required for this performance, with tickets available via Madagascar: A Musical Adventure KIDS bookings.

The ArtsFest program will also feature Rock Band performances at 10.30am, a vocal performance by Teegan Mitchell at 11.30am, our Band Showcase at 12.30pm and a Drama Performance at 1.15pm, while student art pieces will be on display throughout the event from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

At the heart of Wings of Wonder is something even greater than what we see on the stage or displayed on the walls. It is a celebration of the courage to create, the freedom to imagine and the confidence our young people develop when they are encouraged to explore their ideas and share them with the world.

We warmly invite all TMC families, friends and members of our community to join us for this special day. Come along, support our students, be inspired and experience the wonder of what happens when young people are given the confidence to spread their wings and let their creativity fly.

ArtsFest 2026: Wings of Wonder
Saturday, 24 October | 10.00am – 2.00pm
Tamborine Mountain College

Creativity gives us wings. Imagination helps us soar.

I'm excited to announce that we have special guest Dan, from Mountain Rhythm Drums, running several drumming workshops at our upcoming ArtsFest! The 11:30am and 12pm Drumming Workshops are open to all students and families (max 20 per session), while the 1pm "Stick Tricks" session is for our percussion students. A big thank you to Just Percussion for partnering with Mountain Rhythm Drums and donating prizes for this event! A little birdie has told me there may also be some free drum lessons with Dan up for grabs...Looking forward to a great day! 

Ms Kristy Jewell

Next Friday, 30 October, TMC will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. This year, AITSL is encouraging us to “Shine a light on teachers”, and I welcome the opportunity to recognise the people who do so much for our students.

Most of us can remember a teacher who made a difference in our lives. Someone who helped us understand something we had struggled with, sparked an interest we still have, or saw potential in us before we could see it ourselves. We may not remember every lesson, but we remember how those teachers made us feel about learning and about ourselves.

At TMC, that work happens every day. Across our Early Learning Centre, Primary and Secondary schools, our teachers help students build their knowledge, develop confidence and work through challenges. They get to know the children and young people in their classrooms, adjusting their teaching and finding different ways to help them progress.

There is a great deal behind that work. Planning a lesson that meets different learning needs takes thought and skill. So does knowing when to offer reassurance, when to ask a little more of a student, and when to try a different approach. 

These moments matter. So does having a teacher who knows you well enough to recognise when you need support and when you are ready to be challenged.

Across our Early Learning Centre, Primary and Secondary classrooms, our teachers bring knowledge, patience, creativity and plenty of humour to their work. Teaching asks a great deal of people. It requires sound judgement, flexibility and a willingness to keep learning too. 

Next week, I encourage our students and parents to take a moment to thank a teacher. A short email, a handwritten note or a few words at the end of the day can mean a great deal. If something a teacher has done has made a difference to your child, let them know.

Fiona Stevens - Principal

We’re taking part in Day for Daniel 2026. 

When we wear red and donate this October, we’re standing with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to take practical action for child safety. Together, we’re helping create safer spaces for children, online and offline. 

Child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we’re proud to show our support this Day for Daniel. If you’d like to show your support, you can donate here: https://danielmorcombe. com.au/day-for-daniel/#D4DREG

On Wednesday, 14 October, Tamborine Mountain College celebrated Thank a Cleaner Day, recognising the wonderful work our cleaning staff do to keep our school clean, safe and welcoming.

To show their appreciation, students created heartfelt thank-you notes acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our cleaners, who often work behind the scenes to keep our school looking its best.

The messages were proudly displayed as a colourful reminder of just how much our cleaners are valued.

A huge thank you to our fantastic cleaning team! Your efforts certainly don't go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything you do for our school community!

The Journalism Club

Celebrating the wonderful people who make a difference at TMC!

At Tamborine Mountain College, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated community of parents, friends and volunteers who so generously give their time, energy and talents to support our students and College.

Whether lending a hand at College events, supporting our P&F initiatives, assisting behind the scenes or simply being there when an extra pair of hands is needed, your contributions help make TMC the special place it is.

As a small token of our heartfelt appreciation, we warmly invite our wonderful P&F members and volunteers who have helped during the year to join us for a Thank You Morning Tea.

Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Location: Administration Building

This is our opportunity to say thank you, enjoy some delicious morning tea and celebrate the kindness, generosity and community spirit that make such a difference to College life.

RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 30 October, to Nikki at businessdevelopment@tmc.qld.edu.au.

We look forward to celebrating you and thanking you for everything you do for our College community. Your time is a gift, and your contribution is truly valued.

October

Monday, 26 October to Tuesday 17 November - Year 12 External Exams

Saturday, 24 October - ArtsFest

Friday, 30 October - World Teachers Day; Day for Daniel (wear red)

Friday, 13 November - Primary Swimming Carnival

Friday, 20 November - Awards & Graduation Evening

Tuesday, 24 November - Year 7 Orientation Day

Wednesday, 25 November - Year 6 Celebration Dinner

Thursday, 3 December - Student Free Day

Friday, 4 December - Student Free Day & Last Day of Term 4

January

Tuesday, 26 January -  Australia Day Public Holiday

Wednesday, 27 January - Term 1 Commences for Primary and Secondary Years 7, 9 and 10

Thursday, 28 January - Term 1 Commences for Secondary Years 8, 9 & 10

Please note - dates for events may be subject to change

There is something incredibly special about watching young people grow into confident, capable leaders, ready to make their mark and inspire those around them.

Tamborine Mountain College is proud to announce and congratulate our 2027 Year 12 College Leaders, an outstanding group of students who have been entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of leading our College community in the year ahead.

College Captains: Archie and Angel-Rose
Prefects: Annabelle H, Annabelle vW and Maison
Cultural Captain: Ewan
House Captains: Lilliana, Grace and Sophia

You can watch their introduction video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Mf9cy5Cjx/

Each of these students brings their own unique strengths, perspectives and aspirations to their leadership role, united by a shared commitment to making TMC a place where every student feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their best.

At Tamborine Mountain College, we believe that true leadership is measured not by the title a person holds, but by the positive difference they make in the lives of others. It is demonstrated through kindness, integrity, courage and a willingness to lead by example.

As our 2027 leaders prepare to embark on their final year of schooling, they have a wonderful opportunity to strengthen College traditions, champion student voice, inspire their peers and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

To our newly appointed leaders, we encourage you to embrace every opportunity, lead with confidence and compassion, and remember that even the smallest actions can have a meaningful impact.

We are incredibly proud of the young people you have become and look forward to seeing the leadership and heart you bring to our College in 2027.

Congratulations to our 2027 Year 12 College Leaders! 

Over the holidays, Yr 12 vocalist Teegan M had a wonderful experience representing Tamborine Mountain College at the annual State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Qld, held at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

SHEP Qld is the premier program offered by SHEP; advanced music students from across the state nominate to join, with successful applicants gathering at the Queensland Conservatorium for intense musical rehearsals with eminent conductors, culminating in a performance at the fabulous Conservatorium Theatre. Well done, Teegan!

Ms Kristy Jewell

Our Year 7 Digital Technologies students have hit the ground running, diving straight into the exciting world of computer programming!

In just the first week of lessons, students have already been writing and testing code using BBC micro, learning how to program computers to respond to real-world inputs.

One of their first challenges was to code an automatic night light, using the micro's light sensor to detect changes in brightness. Students programmed their devices to make decisions based on the amount of light detected, automatically activating the LED display when the room becomes dark.

They also coded their own step counters, using the micro's built-in accelerometer to detect movement and programming variables to count and display their steps.

These activities are about much more than making gadgets work. Students are developing fundamental computer programming skills, including algorithms, conditional statements, variables, inputs and outputs. They are learning how computers use sensors, process information and follow coded instructions to solve real-world problems.

It has been fantastic to see how quickly our Year 7 students have embraced coding, demonstrating impressive problem-solving skills, curiosity and confidence in just their first week. With several functioning digital creations already under their belts, we can't wait to see what they program next!

Ms Jackie Olivier

Our Year 8 Media Arts students have been turning the classroom into a professional photography studio as they explore the exciting world of product photography!

Throughout the unit, students have been developing their photography skills by experimenting with lighting, camera angles, shot composition, shutter speed and aperture. They have discovered how these techniques can transform everyday products into eye-catching images worthy of a professional advertising campaign.

Working collaboratively, students have created their own photographic setups, carefully selecting backgrounds, arranging products and experimenting with lighting to achieve the perfect shot. From dramatic perfume advertisements to colourful football boots and elegant cosmetics, the results have been impressive!

Students have also been learning how professional photographers use light, colour, texture and composition to influence an audience and make products more appealing.

It has been fantastic to see students demonstrating creativity, teamwork and technical skill as they experiment with their cameras and bring their artistic visions to life.

As the photographs show, we certainly have some budding professional photographers in Year 8!

Mr Brent Cantwell

2026 School Captain Jack Welsh has established the Beacon Award to celebrate students who embody Tamborine Mountain College’s core values of Kindness, Equity, Integrity and Success.

This year, Year 12 School Captain Jack Welsh introduced the Beacon Award, an initiative designed to recognise students whose positive contributions to the College community might otherwise go unnoticed. The award celebrates not only academic achievement but also the kindness, integrity and commitment students demonstrate in their everyday actions.

When asked what inspired him to establish the award, Jack explained, “It means that standards are equal and encouraging; that what people do is seen. It's a reflection of the principles that I stand by, which are equity, integrity and empathy.”

Jack believes that recognising students who consistently demonstrate positive character traits helps strengthen the College community and encourages others to follow their example. Working alongside Mr Andrews and other teachers, he hopes to ensure that deserving students receive meaningful recognition for their efforts.

For Jack, the award is also about establishing a lasting legacy as Tamborine Mountain College continues to grow.

“Because this is quite a small school, it's building the foundations of a school community. As it grows, expectations and standards will grow with it. I’m making sure people don’t forget where we come from and the principles that we stand by.”

Jack is particularly passionate about acknowledging the contributions of students who have helped shape the College, including those who have graduated and moved on to new opportunities.

“I want to acknowledge my friends who are and were in the college. I want to make it so their efforts are not forgotten,” he said.

Determined that the Beacon Award will continue beyond his own graduation, Jack has already taken steps to secure its future.

“I have contacted Mr Andrews and other significant teachers to ensure we still have the award next year.” 

Through his initiative, Jack has demonstrated the very leadership qualities the Beacon Award seeks to celebrate. As TMC continues to grow, the award will serve as a reminder that a strong school community is built not only on achievement, but also on the everyday actions, values and contributions of its students.

The Beacon Award is a fitting legacy from a School Captain determined to ensure that those who make a difference are seen, valued and remembered.

By Cash Sands and Kaia Kingston

Walton! Kyle! Nicholls! The competition is heating up as our three houses prepare for the much-anticipated Swimming Carnival on Wednesday, 21 October (Week 3)!

In preparation for the big event, students gathered for their traditional House Meetings, led by our enthusiastic House Captains. These meetings are an important part of College life and are held before major sporting events, including our Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.

During the meetings, House Captains rallied their teams with motivational speeches, encouraged participation and led their houses in their unique chants. There was plenty of excitement, laughter and friendly rivalry as students prepared to cheer their houses to victory!

Our House Meetings are about much more than winning. They celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, school spirit and the importance of supporting one another.

With the Swimming Carnival just around the corner, the big question remains: which house will take home the glory?

Good luck to Walton, Kyle and Nicholls. Let the competition begin!

The Journalism Club

At Tamborine Mountain College, sport is about so much more than winning. It provides opportunities for our students to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship, while demonstrating the College values of Kindness, Integrity, Equity and Success (KIES).

We are delighted to congratulate our Primary Sports KIES Award recipients for Term 4, Weeks 1 and 2, who have been recognised for their positive attitudes, enthusiasm, determination and contributions to sport.

Term 4 – Week 1

• Prep to Year 2: Nadia and Cuan
• Years 3 – 6: Charlotte and Arkin

Term 4 – Week 2

• Prep to Year 2: Clara and River
• Years 3 – 6: Sofia and Dray

These awards celebrate the qualities that make great teammates and outstanding young sportspeople. Whether encouraging others, demonstrating fairness, embracing challenges or simply giving their personal best, each recipient is helping to build a positive and inclusive sporting culture at TMC.

Congratulations to all eight students on this wonderful recognition. We are incredibly proud of the way you represent our College values, both on and off the sporting field.

Keep up the fantastic work! 

Our amazing Year 2 students have taken their learning beyond the classroom by starting their very own Rubbish Collection Club! 

A huge thank you to Mrs Ord, who has been an absolute champion, generously giving her own time to supervise the students during break times and help them create exciting prizes and incentives to encourage their peers to join.

We are incredibly proud of our young entrepreneurs for putting their science learning into action! Through exploring materials, recycling, reducing waste and reusing resources, our students are discovering how small actions can make a big difference to the sustainability of our wonderful planet.

Well done, Year 2! Your initiative, teamwork and care for our environment are truly inspiring!

Mrs Beth McLeod

Our Year 11 and 10 Art students visited HOTA, Home of the Arts, to explore two exciting exhibitions, Energies 26 and UNLEASHED+.

Energies 26 showcased outstanding artworks created by talented senior secondary students from across the Gold Coast, demonstrating the creativity, individuality and powerful ideas of young artists. UNLEASHED+ introduced students to innovative contemporary craft and design, featuring emerging Queensland artists experimenting with materials such as ceramics, glass, textiles, timber and metal.

The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for students to experience artworks in a professional gallery setting, discover new techniques and materials, and gather inspiration for their own creative journeys.

A particularly special highlight was seeing the artwork of our very own talented Year 12 student, Lovisa, proudly displayed in Energies 26. Having her work selected for this prestigious exhibition is an incredible achievement and a wonderful inspiration for our aspiring artists!

Mrs Jackie Olivier