Community Week at Tarneit Senior College: A Week of Engagement and Fun

From August 26 to August 30, Tarneit Senior College came alive with excitement and camaraderie during our Community Week. This exciting event, orchestrated by the dedicated Interact Club, provided an opportunity for students, staff, and local organisations to come together in a series of engaging and community-focused activities. As a student-based volunteer organisation, the Interact Club did a stellar job in organising and executing a week filled with memorable events that brought everyone closer together and showcased the vibrant spirit of our school community.

Monday: A Surprise Guest from the New Area

The week began on a high note with a special visit from the Truganina New Lounge. This local community space graciously hosted the first event of Community Week. The morning started with an informative presentation about the lounge’s extensive book collection. The staff there detailed the various genres and titles available, encouraging students to explore new reading materials and engage with the local community’s literary resources.

Following the presentation, students participated in a trivia competition designed to test their knowledge and encourage interaction. The trivia was not only a fun and competitive activity but also served as a fantastic way to engage students with the lounge’s offerings. The competition featured a variety of questions ranging from general knowledge to specific facts about books and reading. Prizes were awarded to the top performers, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation for students to get involved.

Tuesday: A Day of Outdoor Fun and Wellbeing

Tuesday’s activities focused on fostering well being and creating a lively outdoor atmosphere. The Wellbeing Team, in collaboration with the Interact Club, set up a range of outdoor games and chalk writing programs. The outdoor games included traditional favourites like chess , bean bag toss ,and connect four, which were met with great enthusiasm. Students enjoyed the chance to compete in a friendly environment, while teachers joined in the fun, contributing to a sense of community and teamwork.

In addition to the games, the chalk writing program allowed participants to express their creativity on the pavement outside. Students and teachers wrote positive messages, doodles, and inspirational quotes, transforming the school grounds into a colourful and uplifting space. The event saw approximately 300 participants, including both students and teachers. The Wellbeing staff and Interact team played a crucial role in ensuring the day’s activities ran smoothly and effectively, fostering a supportive and engaging environment.

Wednesday: Sports Day Extravaganza

Wednesday was dedicated to sports, with the highlight being the eagerly awaited student vs. teachers matches. The stadium was abuzz with anticipation as students and teachers prepared for the friendly but fiercely competitive games. The day was split into two main events, volleyball during the first break and basketball during the second break.

The volleyball game was a thrilling start to the day, featuring intense rallies and impressive teamwork from both sides. The energy was palpable as students and teachers alike showed their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. The basketball game that followed was equally exhilarating. With high-flying shots, strategic plays, and enthusiastic cheering, it was clear that the students were determined to claim victory.

Both matches were attended by around 325 spectators, who filled the stadium to cheer on their peers and teachers. In a remarkable display of skill and team spirit, the students emerged victorious in both games, further energising the school community and boosting school spirit, as the students asked for round 2 right after.

Thursday: Community Engagement and Movie Night

Thursday’s events showcased a blend of community engagement and entertainment. The Rotary Club set up a stall to provide information about the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPA). This initiative aims to support young people in developing leadership skills and engaging in community service. The stall was well-received, with many students and staff taking the opportunity to learn more about the program and how they could get involved.

After school, the day concluded with a highly anticipated movie night featuring "Big Hero 6." The event was a hit, with 50+ attendees enjoying the film in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. The movie night was made even more special with free candy floss and popcorn, courtesy of the staff, who managed the event and ensured that everyone had a great time. The atmosphere was festive and laid-back, providing a perfect end to a day filled with learning and community involvement.

Friday: A Sweet Finale with the Bake Sale

The final day of Community Week was a delicious affair, as students and staff came together for a bake sale. The sale featured an assortment of baked goods, including cupcakes, macarons, and brownies, all of which were lovingly prepared by members of the Interact Club and other volunteers. The bake sale was not only a treat for the taste buds but also a significant fundraising effort. During the whole week we raised approximately $325, which will go towards supporting future community projects and initiatives. The bake sale was a great success, with a steady stream of visitors enjoying the treats, made by the team.

Community Week at Tarneit Senior College was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Interact Club, Staff and Guests and all participants. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their enjoyment and appreciation for the efforts made to create a dynamic and inclusive environment. It showcased the power of collaboration and volunteerism in creating memorable experiences and fostering a sense of belonging among students and staff. We look forward to continuing this tradition and building on the success of this year’s events in the future.

-Interact Club Journalists:

-Yati, Jasveen, Cherub

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