The Lions' Roar 31/10/2025

November

Wednesday, 5 November -  Primary Musical Matinee Performance @ 12pm

Saturday, 8 November - Primary Musical Saturday Performance @ 3pm

Tuesday & Wednesday, 11/11 & 12/11 - Christmas Book Fair

Wednesday, 12 November - Primary Talent Show; Year 10 Careers Mock Interview Morning

Friday, 14 November - Prep to Year 2 and Year 3 to 6 Swimming Carnivals

Wednesday, 18 November - P & F AGM

Wednesdsay, 19 November - Awards (Yr 3 to 12) & Year 12 Graduation Night, 6pm to 8.15pm

At Robina Community Centre - Attendance required for award winners (Yr 3 to 12), student performers and all Year 12 Students (parents to transport their own children to and from event.  Performers will be transported via bus from TMC to allow for rehearsal time).

Thursday, 20 November - Year 12 Guard of Honour

Friday, 21 November - Year 12 Formal

Wednesday, 26 November - Year 6 Celebration Dinner

Thursday, 27 November - Year 7 Orientation Day

Friday, 28 November - Prep Gala 9am; Primary Instrumental Music Concert

Wednesday, 3 December - Students Last Day Term 4

Thursday 4 & Friday 5 December - Student Free Days

Please note - dates for events may be subject to change

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Tamborine Mountain College Parents and Friends (P&F) Annual General Meeting (AGM). This meeting will be a great opportunity to hear updates from the P&F, learn about the initiatives we have undertaken this year, and discuss plans for the future of our school community.

Details of the AGM:

• Date: Tuesday, 18 November 
• Time: 8:45am - 9:45am
• Location: Admin Building 

During the AGM, we will also be discussing the open positions of President and Vice-President. If you are interested in applying for one of these roles, or would like more information about the responsibilities involved, please feel free to reach out or express your interest to Nikki Ward, businessdevelopment@tmc.qld.edu.au anytime before the meeting.

Additionally, we are welcoming all parents to join the P&F Committee. Being part of the Committee is a wonderful way to actively contribute to the College community, collaborate with other parents, and support initiatives that benefit our children. Committee members are encouraged to attend regular meetings (all meeting dates and activity dates for 2026 will be given at the meeting), and all parents are welcome to participate in the discussions, regardless of whether they hold an official role.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM and appreciate your ongoing support of our College community.

This week, we celebrate the heart of our school, our teachers! Each one brings their own unique strengths, passions, and personality, enriching our classrooms in countless ways. Just as we teach our students to value and respect one another’s differences, we take this time to honour the wonderful diversity and dedication of our teaching team, who inspire, nurture and guide every day.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day this week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the memorable and inspirational teachers we know; past and present. It may be that supportive Primary School teacher who saw you when you thought no one else could or the motivational Secondary School teacher who inspired you to strive after your schooling years. In thinking about the incredible diversity of our teachers at TMC and how each teacher brings their own strengths and lessons to the classroom, I found myself reminded of some truly iconic and much-loved teachers from books and films.. 

• The Structured Teacher (Professor McGonagall, Harry Potter) Guiding with steady routines, discipline, and the occasional raised eyebrow. From this teacher, students learn the value of consistency, responsibility and holding themselves to high standards.
• The Nurturing Teacher (Miss Honey, Matilda) Seemingly endless patience and a gift for uncovering hidden potential. From this teacher, students learn the power of kindness, encouragement and believing in themselves.
• The Flexible Teacher (Mr Keating, Dead Poets Society) Sparking creativity, courage and maybe even the odd desk-standing moment. From this teacher, students learn to think differently, take risks, and find their own voice.
• The Organised Teacher (Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers) Showing how persistence and planning can change lives. From this teacher, students learn that preparation, dedication and hard work can open doors to success.
• The Creative Teacher (Ms Frizzle, The Magic School Bus) Colourful, unpredictable and guaranteed to keep everyone guessing. From this teacher, students learn to embrace curiosity, adventure and the joy of discovery.

Every style brings something worth celebrating. Even if students don’t immediately “click”, they are still gaining resilience, adaptability and the ability to work with all kinds of personalities; invaluable skills for life beyond school.

At TMC, we know learning is a partnership. When families and teachers come together, we model our shared values of Kindness, Equity, Integrity and Success.

So this week, let’s celebrate the incredible dedication, passion and individuality of every teacher. Every teacher matters; shaping hearts and minds in ways that last well beyond the classroom.

As we enjoy the beauty of spring on our mountain, it’s also a time when our local wildlife is especially active. You may notice baby ducks, birds, and other native animals venturing near our roads.

We kindly ask all families to take extra care when driving around Tamborine Mountain, particularly near our roads. Please slow down and stay alert for our precious wildlife who share this beautiful place we call home.

We can all help keep our mountain safe for every creature... big and small. 

Aaron McClane, Secondary Math Teacher

What inspired you to become a teacher?
A high school teacher. He showed me passion, compassion, humour and respect. I saw the positive influence he had on a room full of teenagers and knew he was making a difference in their lives. I wanted to continue in the same light.

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have pursued?
I was tracking to be a cardiothoracic surgeon but the work/life balance wasn't one I found desirable so I switched to teaching which was my alternate reality choice. However if I was to leave teaching today I would make a living from my current hobby of woodworking. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I have lost count how many times a student has told me upon graduating they always appreciated how much I cared for them and made them feel valued as a human being. I am well aware of the importance of that responsibility and seeing the positive impact is the highest reward.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I am a Muhammad Ali fan. I've watched every professional fight he had, can tell you his win/loss record including the names of opponents and have a signed and framed photo of him with a certificate of authenticity. 

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Muhammad Ali. I'd like to discuss his career and perhaps a breakdown of how a fight against prime Mike Tyson would go. For what it's worth I have Ali by KO in round 7.

What’s your favourite book or movie, and why do you love it?
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown is my favourite book despite not being so. When I was a teenager I read it and couldn't put it down. I recall not wanting to go to my shift at Coles because I was so enthralled. It's the book that sparked my love of reading which I have kept as a core part of my life ever since. There have been greater reads over the years but Angels & Demons will forever remain my favourite as it's the book that ignited my love of novels.

What’s a memorable moment from your time at Tamborine Mountain College?
Entering the College for the very first time to meet Mrs Stevens and Mr Andrews stands out to me. I was invited for an interview and drove through heavy rain up the mountain to see a beautiful school and two friendly faces greeting me in the front reception area. My first impression of the school, the people and the culture couldn't have been a better one. 

Share with us some of your greatest achievements in life?
My greatest achievement without question is the family I have created and fostered. My life's goal is to be a great father and husband and I proudly say I am on track to achieve the goal with my wife and two sons.

What’s a piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Bitcoin and Facebook sound ridiculous but trust me, buy the stock!

What are your hobbies outside of school?
Reading, woodworking, writing, the Brisbane Broncos and family take up most of my time outside school.

If you could learn a new skill instantly, what would it be?
I would choose design and engineering on the level of someone like Mark Rober. To be able to imagine, design and then bring to life almost anything is a creative freedom and genius of which I am envious.

What’s one thing your students have taught you?
They have taught me that humans are wildly various in every aspect imaginable. There is no such cookie cutter person we should compare ourselves to. We are all unique and that's a wonderful thing.

If you had to describe your teaching style in three words, what would they be?
Passionate, patient, efficient.

What’s your favourite thing about the Tamborine Mountain College community?
The culture is wonderful. I have not encountered a school which has such lovely people across the board of families, admin, teaching staff and students. It's a special culture that's hard to define but undeniable.

What’s one song that always puts you in a good mood and why?
I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. Why? Listen to his voice and the melody and tell me I'm wrong.

At Tamborine Mountain College, we are passionate about equipping our students with the skills and confidence they need beyond the classroom.

Our annual Year 10 Mock Interview Day is an important part of that journey, giving students the chance to step into a real interview scenario, gain practical experience, and build the confidence to shine in their future pathways.

When: Wednesday 12 November

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

We’re inviting members of our wonderful community to be part of this valuable experience. If you’re able to assist by volunteering as an interviewer, we’d love to hear from you!

To get involved, please email: pparker@tmc.qld.edu.au

At TMC we help prepare the next generation of professionals for success.

As we approach the end of the year, Tamborine Mountain College is proud to support a meaningful community initiative to ensure every child starts the new school year ready to learn.

We have partnered with Beaucare, a local community organisation supporting families in need across the Scenic Rim. Each January, Beaucare provides book packs and essential school supplies to families who may not have the means to purchase them.

This is where our TMC community can make a difference. We are holding a Stationery Drive this Term to collect new school items, including:

• Exercise books (all year levels)
• Grid books
• Pencils, pens and erasers
• Rulers
• Calculators
• Glue Sticks
• Coloured pencils and pens
• And any other essential stationery families might need

All items must be new, so students receiving them can begin their school year with dignity and confidence.

Donations can be delivered to the students' classrooms/form rooms.  Each room will have a box for collections during school hours. Every contribution, big or small, will help support a local student in their learning journey.

Let's show the strength of our TMC community and help set more children up for success.

Get ready to cheer, splash, and quack your way into something special. The Community Edition Great Duck Race is back and this year, TMC is diving in to make a difference!

Adopt a Duck, Support TMC!

Each duck you adopt joins the big race down Currumbin Creek, with 100% of proceeds from ducks adopted under TMC’s name coming straight back to support our College.

Adopt your duck here:

https://events.humanitix.com/the-great-duck-race-community-race

Prizes to make you quack with joy:

$1,500 Gold Coast Luxury Escape

$250 cash + $250 Bunnings Voucher

$100 cash + $100 Bunnings Voucher

Race Day: Sunday 2 November 2:15pm-3:00pm

Where: RSL Reserve (Foreshore), Currumbin RSL

Duck adoptions close: Saturday 1 November at 3pm

It’s a win-win!

Support local causes, raise funds for TMC, and have a quacking good time while you’re at it.

Let’s get our ducks in a row, TMC!

Adopt, cheer, and help our little yellow racers make waves for a worthy cause!

Do you have sports gear sitting in the garage that’s no longer being used? Here’s your chance to give it a second life and support our students’ active play!  

Starting Monday and running until the end of Term, the P&F Sports Equipment Drive is calling on our TMC families to donate gently used sports gear to help boost lunchtime fun for our students.

We’re looking for:
Balls of all kinds (soccer, footy, basketball, netball)
 

All donations will help fill our playgrounds with even more energy, teamwork, and laughter as students enjoy new lunchtime sports activities!

Drop-off point: Administration in the provided tub

When: Weekdays (school hours) – End of Term

Let’s keep the good games rolling — donate and help make every lunchtime legendary! 

This week saw the Years 7-9 section of the 2025 AB Paterson Public Speaking Competition. The comp brings together the best young public speakers from across the Gold Coast region with students from both Public and Independent schools in attendance. Students have to compose and deliver a speech on one of the topics identified for their year group. TMC has a strong tradition in public speaking having had students place in the top 3 consistently over the past few years and this year was no different. Felix H (Yr 8) and James H (Yr 9) both had amazing success with James placing 2nd in the Year 9 section and Felix bringing home the gold in the Year 8 section. Felix delivered his speech focused on "Leaves of Change" with an examination of how Formula 1 racing is leading the way when it comes to automotive technology designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the sport. James presented a humorous yet thoughtful look at the "Moments of Insanity" that have led to some of our most bizarre food creations, as an example of how breaking cultural norms and social expectations can lead us in new and unprecedented directions. The success these two students achieved is due to their commitment to learning, love of language and willingness to give it a go that is the hallmark of a TMC student. Congratulations Felix and James for their amazing achievement. 

Our Primary School students are preparing to step into the spotlight for Tamborine Mountain College’s much-anticipated production of Disney’s The Aristocats Kids. This enchanting show promises to delight audiences with its music, humour, and heart, brought to life by the talent and enthusiasm of our young performers and our incredible Director Louise Ives.

The production showcases not only the students’ singing, dancing, and acting skills, but also the confidence, teamwork, and creativity that TMC is proud to nurture. Families can look forward to plenty of PUUUR-fect moments as the cast brings this Disney favourite to the stage.

What makes this event extra special is that the performances free, making it an opportunity for parents, siblings, and friends to enjoy the magic of live theatre together without cost. It’s a PAW-fect celebration of the students’ hard work and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing the arts.

SHOW 1 DATE: Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 at 12pm
SHOW 2 DATE: Saturday, 8th November at 3pm
LOCATION: Tamborine Mountain College

We invite you to come along and support our Primary stars as they light up the stage. This is sure to be a memorable evening filled with music, laughter, and plenty of heart.

The Year 3 Dino-Friend Parade

Lilah’s a pony-atops, she rides through the air,
Ember’s a run-atops, dashing everywhere.
Zac’s a ride-atops on his dirt bike so loud,
Vance the tractor-atops works hard and proud.

Emmett’s an ant-osaurus, catching them quick,
Theo’s a munch-osaurus, with snacks he will pick.
Sebastian’s a goof-osaurus, silly and bright,
Will is a sleep-osaurus, snoozing all night.

Arlo’s a Halloween-osaurus, spooky and cool,
Elijah’s a Pikachu-osaurus, lightning at school.
Oscar’s a stunt-osaurus, racing with flair,
Nakita’s a Surron-osaurus, speeding with care.

Oliver’s a cuddle-odactyl, so sweet and neat,
Charlotte’s a snuggle-osaurus, loving her seat.
Louis the loving-osaurus, kind through and through,
Claire the caring-odactyl is thoughtful too.

Tiana’s a friendly-dactyl, cheerful and bright,
Sofia’s a sweet-osaurus, spreading delight.
Parisa’s a vocal-osaurus, singing on key,
Kaylee’s a fluffy-odactyl, as soft as can be.

Charlee’s a cutie-odactyl, with baby beasts near,
Amia’s a punch-otops, kicking with cheer.
Taj is a lizard-atops, scales shining green,
Astrid’s a wolf-otops, wild and keen.

Avery’s a gaming-raptor, clever and fast,
Chase is a game-osaurus, never outclassed.
Grayson’s a game-osaurus, PS5 in his den,
Laker’s a competitive-odactyl, always wins again!

Campbell’s a goal-osaurus, shots on the mark,
Tate’s a football-raptor, quick as a spark.
Brook’s a soccer-raptor, swift with the ball,
Elliot’s a kick-osaurus, strongest of all!

Sofia’s a kick-osaurus too, twin in the play,
William’s a soccer-saurus, scoring all day.
Marama’s a speed-oraptor, zooming past fast,
Mayan’s active-osaurus, fun that will last.

Elliott’s a relax-atops, chilling with glee,
Emily’s a plant-atops, growing her tree.
Lily’s a grow-raptor, with blooms all around,
Bea’s a Pusheen-otops, cuddled and sound.

Ardie’s a meow-atops, loving cats so sweet,
Ollie’s a tech-odactyl, on his tablet seat,
Oliver’s a stroke-asaurus, he loves to swim and splash,
They dive and they dash with a joyful flash,
And when all these dinos come out to play,
They fill the world with joy each day!

This week, our Year 2 students enjoyed a wonderful day at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise. Despite the pouring rain, both students and parent helpers showed amazing resilience and positivity throughout the day.

A highlight was visiting the Ken Done: No Rules exhibition. The children were so excited to see his colourful works in person, having studied his art earlier in the term and created their own Ken Done inspired pieces in class.

Students also took part in The Art of Kindness workshop, which explored the power of art as a tool for connection, inclusion and belonging. Through creating an artwork to be gifted, students reflected on empathy, kindness and the joy of giving. The workshop encouraged them to use creative expression as a way to build trust, visibility and a stronger sense of community. 

A big thank you to our fantastic parent volunteers for their time and support, it truly helped make the day such a success. Even with the wet weather, it was a day filled with colour, creativity and smiles.

Mrs Anoushka den Elzen & Mrs Marie Fern

Another thrilling day dives off the school calendar as the 2025 TMC swimming carnival makes a splash! Students from years 7-12 competed in 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, and Butterfly with the aim of getting their house as many points as possible. Between races, those who wanted to cool off without the competition got a chance to swim, while still earning participation points. By the pool, Walton stood out with an extremely viscous war-cry. Nicolas swimmer James Haskins achieved new age records for Breaststroke and Backstroke, while Kyle achieved the most participants out of all three houses, giving them the upper hand. Everyone who participated, and even the ones who supported on the sidelines, showed incredible sportsmanship and exemplified our school spirit and values.

Written by Josh F-B and Mikayla L 

We are delighted to announce a new Community Partnership between Tamborine Mountain College and Medland Orthodontics. You may have noticed they were also our Major Prize Sponsor for our $10,000 Invisalign Package so kindly given away at our 30 Year Anniversary Gala. This ongoing partnership offers exclusive benefits to our families, staff, and alumni, while also supporting our College community.

Here’s how it works:

All TMC students, families, staff, and alumni will receive a $250 discount off orthodontic treatment at Medland Orthodontics.

In addition, Medland Orthodontics will generously donate $250 back to Tamborine Mountain College for every new patient who commences treatment.

To access this exclusive offer, simply mention the code VIPTMC25 at your new patient consultation.

This is a wonderful way to invest in your smile while also giving back to the College. We thank Medland Orthodontics for their partnership and commitment to supporting our community.