Tenison Woods College Asks R U OK?

ICT Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Approach 2018

Since 2014 we have extended the invitation to families to BYOD from years 8-12. There have also been some students from years 6 and 7 who were invited by their individual class teachers to avail themselves of this opportunity. 

While from 2014 the BYOD approach has been an invitation, the significant nuance next year is that BYOD will become an expectation.

In the Senior School from 2018

We are asking each Senior School student to commence 2018 with their own laptop device. This means that there will not be loan devices in the PRC. There will however be a small number of day loan devices in the Library/resource hub to accommodate only temporary student ICT needs and issues. This small pool of loan devices will not be available for long-term use.  

In the Middle school from 2018

The current situation with devices in classrooms will continue, with students in years 8 and 9 being invited to participate in the BYOD program.

In the Middle School from 2019

We are asking each Middle School student to commence 2019 with their own laptop device. 

For more information about the BYOD program, obtaining free Microsoft Office software and device options, please visit the Portal@TWC help site www.tenison.catholic.edu.au/portaltwc

Social Justice Sunday

We celebrate Social Justice Sunday on 24 September. This year, the Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement is titled: ‘Everyone’s Business: Developing an inclusive and sustainable economy’. The Statement calls for an economy that is founded on justice and offers dignity and inclusion to every person.

For further details about the Social Justice Statement, visit the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council website www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or call (02) 8306 3499.

St Vincent de Paul Links

On Monday we were honoured to have Cathy Beaton, the President and David Wark, the Chief Executive of St Vincent de Paul SA visit the school to meet with Middle School Social Justice students, David Mezinec and Chris Lloyd, our Middle School CIM Leader.

We have many links with the Society including running the Mount Gambier Vinnies store on Saturday mornings. College community members are invited to join this roster. We are also beginning a roster to do washing of quality clothes with small stains that would otherwise need to be discarded. Please contact Sandra Quirke if you can help with either of these rosters, quirs@tenison.catholic.edu.au.

On Friday, as part of our Casual Clothes Day, students are asked to bring cans of non-perishable food items for the Vinnies Food Appeal, as well as a gold coin donation.

Year 10 Retreat

Year 10 students and their teachers are eagerly anticipating a thought provoking and relationship building day at the Main Corner this Thursday.

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Friends of Tenison Woods College; past scholars since the inception of Marist Agricultural College or the Convent of Mercy, parents of former scholars, past staff members, past volunteers, in fact anyone who is proud to be or have been associated with Catholic education in Mount Gambier; are invited to our 2017 Shining Light Awards on Saturday 14 October and to join us on Sunday 15 October for a BBQ and tour of the College.

Tickets are now on sale for the evening at www.ticketebo.com.au/shininglight. Get in quick, tickets are limited! Follow the official Tenison Woods College Facebook page to find out more about our outstanding Shining Light award recipients.

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This month, Ms Davey’s Year 5 students have been working together to raise money for the Mount Gambier Chemotherapy Unit. The group sold raffle tickets in their recess and lunchtime. Students who purchased tickets went in the running to win the prize of ‘Principal for a Day’, where they will spend a whole day with Mr Mezinec at the end of this term!

As the fundraising draws to an end, we are proud to announce that $414.00 has been raised by Tenison Woods College, with help from the local community. Winning tickets have been drawn, with first place going to Year 1 student, Lauren Jones. Lauren will fulfil her duties as Principal for a day next Friday 29 September (last day of Term 3). Second prize ($25 Metro voucher) was won by Year 5 student, Mia Watt and third prize ($10 Metro voucher) went to Year 5 student Jaimee Smith. Thank you to Metro Bakery for donating the second and third prizes. Well done to the three students who won and thank you to everyone who supported the cause. We know the Mount Gambier Chemotherapy Unit will be very grateful for your efforts and donations they receive.

Francesca Dickson | Year 3 Teacher

We wish the following students all the best as they compete in the SAPSASA State Athletics Championships in Adelaide next week.

Jacob Salmon, Rex Jones, Anton Circelli, Indiana Lawrence, Bethany Yates, Amryn Bosko, Jonty Collins, Hunter Elliott, Thomas Bignell, Maya Armitage, Ady Armitage, Mitchell Harrold

These students were selected to participate in this event after competing in the SAPSASA District Athletics Day which was held on 29 March, 2017.

Grant Lean | Junior Sport Coordinator

Year 12 Tenison Woods College Student Lucy Williams has recently been selected as one of 20 winners in the Trailblazers Competition, an ABC ‘Heywire’ Initiative. Lucy will be going to a week-long forum in Canberra in early 2018. Trailblazers is a new opportunity for young, regional change-makers to have their stories on the ABC. Lucy will receive an incredible package of support, including media, networking and mentorship opportunities to help her share the story of their work with the nation.

Lucy comments, “The interview went really well, I was excited but surprised. I am really looking forward to the Canberra trip next year”.

Judges were very impressed with the Teenage Trifecta Program Lucy organised in Penola, as well as her organisation and voluntary contribution. This project was also a part of Lucy’s Religious Education Integrated Learning Assignment. Well done Lucy.

More information on ABC Trailblazers can be found here: http://www.abc.net.au/heywire/trailblazers/

The Living Catholic Southern Cross Newsletter 18 September edition is now available on line. Click here to read it.

Planning for 2018 classes is about to begin in both the Junior and Middle School. Staff give deep and careful consideration to the class placement of students, ensuring the best and most informed educational and wellbeing decisions are made. At the beginning of Term 4, Junior and Middle Primary students will receive a note from class teachers regarding this process; please ensure that you discuss this with your child, sign and return the relevant section. Students currently in Years 8 and 9 will work with their home group teacher to identify and name those students who best support their learning at school.

If you feel there are exceptional and valid circumstances for your child that need to be considered, please address these in writing to Jill Rogers, Head of Junior School (R-5) at rogej@tenison.catholic.edu.au or Ian Ross, Head of Middle School (Years 6-9) at rossi@tenison.catholic.edu.au by Friday 27 October 2017 (end of Week 2, Term 4). Please note that requests for specific teachers are unable to be considered. Thankyou.

Jill Rogers | Head of Junior School
Ian Ross | Head of Middle School 

On Friday 15 September Year 5 students visited Penola for the “Classrooms of the past” excursion to link with their ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’ curriculum about Early Colonial Australia and the early Catholic Church.

It was a fantastic experience that allowed classes to be immersed in life as children in the 1800s. They visited the amazing Mary Mackillop Interpretive Centre, where they learnt about Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her life experiences, as well as Father Julian Tenison Woods.

A walk down Petticoat Lane and through the Sharam’s Cottages and vegetable garden showed how people lived in early colonial Australia. Classes had lessons in the school house and learnt about schooling in the past and how it differs from today.

A highlight for many of the students was the visit the ‘Toffee and Treats’ Lolly shop. The excursion was a great way to consolidate their classroom learning through a hands on experience.

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Please be aware of early dismissal times for the last day of Term 3, next Friday 29 September. 

• Junior School - Early Dismissal of 2.15pm
• Middle School and Senior School -  Early Dismissal of 2.20pm

Wishing all staff and students a safe and relaxing holiday break. 

Tracey Davey | Office Manager

Regular Opening Hours:

• Tuesday 8.00am - 12.00pm
• Thursday 1.00pm - 5.00pm

Holiday Opening Hours:

• Tuesday 10 October - 9.00am - 1.00pm
• Thursday 12 October - 12.00pm - 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 October - 9.00am - 12.00pm
• Monday 16 October - 8.00am - 12.00pm

Regular Opening Hours resume from Tuesday 17 October onwards.

Tenison Woods College
Shepherdson Road (PO Box 965)
Mount Gambier South Australia 5290

t: (08) 8725 5455 (Main Office)
f: (08) 8724 9303
t: (08) 8724 4650 (Senior School)
Absentee Line: (08) 8724 4659
OSHC Line: (08) 8724 4633

e: news@tenison.catholic.edu.au
w: www.tenison.catholic.edu.au

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Thursday 21 September

• Year 10 Retreat
• SAPSASA Basketball Finals Day, Adelaide
• International Day of Peace
• Parent Education Week Session - 7:00pm, Tenison Woods College Staffroom 

Friday 22 September

• Junior School Assembly, 2:15pm, Barrie Holmes Stadium
• Whole School Casual Clothes Day - Bring a gold coin and a can of non-perishable food
• Year 3 Naracoorte Caves Excursion
• Year 1 Mary MacKillop Excursion

Sunday 24 September

• Youth Mass, 5:00pm at St Paul's Church

Monday 25 September

• SAPSASA State Athletics Championships, Adelaide

Tuesday 26 September

• Senior Poplars Naracoorte Caves Excursion
• Debate Night - Staff vs Students 5:00pm, Lecture Theatre, PRC. 

Wednesday 27 September

• 8/9 Boys and Girls Basketball, Millicent
• College Board Meeting, 7:30pm in the Boardroom
• Reception Farm Excursion

Thursday 28 September

• Year 10 PLP 1/2 Day Session 8
• Year 12 Leaving Families Function 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the PRC
• Year 5,6,7 T20 Cricket, Blue Lake Sports Park

Friday 29 September

• Whole School Assembly, 12.00pm, Barrie Holmes Stadium
• Early Dismissal: 2:15pm Junior School, 2:20pm Middle & Senior School, 

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Friday of Week 1, Term 4 will be a Student Free Day (Mount Gambier Show day)

This Friday is Casual Clothes Day for the whole school. We ask all students to please bring a gold coin and a can of non-perishable food.

This year we have chosen to combine our Catholic Charities fundraising and our Vinnies Can Drive to hopefully have a large amount of cans of non-perishable food items donated for those in need.

All the Vinnies cans will go to Limestone Coast families and while some of the Catholic Charities are in Adelaide our local Centacare does benefit.

The agencies supported by Catholic Charities are:

• Hutt Street Centre

• Catherine House

• SA Catholic Deaf Association

• Aboriginal Catholic Ministry

• Our Lady of La Vang & St Patrick’s Special Schools

• Mercy House of Welcome

• Centacare Catholic Family Services

•  Ain Karim Community

We welcome your support, with a gold coin and a can on Friday. There will be vehicles positioned at drop-off points to collect donations as students arrive at the College.

‘Never see a need without doing something about it’ St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

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Chris Lloyd | Teacher Librarian

Members of the SA Country Fire Service recently visited Tenison Woods College. Some of our Year 5 students learned what it took to be part of the CFS, they got to check out what's in the truck and more.

This week is ‘Parents in Education’ week. The week is designed to promote parents and educators working together.

Tenison Woods College is hosting free speaker sessions for interested parents to learn practical tips and easy ways to support children's learning at every age and stage.

The 3-day speakers program is underway, with our first session complete. The Minister for Education and Child Development will chair a panel, and keynote speakers will present at the Star Room, Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Tenison Woods College will present a live feed of these in the school staff room. Complimentary wine and cheese will be on offer each night. We have the following sessions remaining:
 

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 7.00pm to 8.45pm

Professor Lea Waters

- Unlocking your child’s potential and learning through strength-based parenting

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 7.00pm to 8.45pm

Dr Justin Coulson

- 9 Ways to a Resilient Child

For more information, Please contact the College's Director of Wellbeing, Jennie Sanderson - sandj@tenison.catholic.edu.au, or on (08) 87 255 455.

Jennie Sanderson | Director of Wellbeing

Congratulations to Year 10 Student Lara Willoughby and Year 8 student Elyse Willoughby.

Together the sisters competed in 'The Holy Grail' CrossFit Competition at CrossFit Grovedale in Geelong on Sunday 17 September.

Lara and Elyse came home winners in the Open (non-scaled) Girl’s Teens Team category!

Simone Gill, who is one of their coaches said, “I am super proud of the girls and their work ethic, dedication and genuine enthusiasm for sport and life!”

A wonderful effort by both girls.

*Photo credit - Anthony Rogers Photography

This week as part of the Tenison Woods College Enviro Program, students are attending a two-night camp at the Monarto Zoo. Students learn about how they can play a part in the conservation of iconic African and Australian animals. The students slept at the zoo under the stars in a swag and mentioned how they heard lions roaring at night!

Tom Linnell | ELCC - Year 12 Sustainability Coordinator

Come along to Debate Night! Tuesday 28 September in the Tenison Woods College Lecture Theatre, Pam Ronan Centre.

Year 7 students versus Year 8 students at 5:00pm, then the much anticipated staff versus students at 5:45pm.

Free entry, all are welcome!

Adam Taylor | Teacher 

Just another reminder that the Junior School ‘Read to Achieve’ Challenge finished last Friday.

Forms and money must be dropped to your child's classroom teacher by this Friday. Please do not send money and forms to the Front Office or the Library.

Please return forms /reading logs regardless of whether money was raised as all participants will receive a certificate.

Thank you for your support with this!

Katie Window  |  EY – 5 Key Literacy Teacher

Tenison Woods College school fees statements have been posted out this week. If you are not on an arranged payment plan, we ask that you please have your school fees paid as soon as possible. 

Once you have received your statement, please check through it carefully to ensure that all payments to your account have been recorded.

If there are any discrepancies, please contact Leanne Hunt on (08) 87 244 604. If you have any concerns regarding paying off your fees, please contact our Business Manager, Neal Turley on (08) 87 255 455 to discuss your account.

Leanne Hunt | Finance Assistant

We have many pieces of unnamed lost property in the College front office at the moment, including 3 sets of black school shoes along with many jackets and jumpers.

Please ensure that all uniform pieces are named clearly when they are purchased so that they can be returned to the student if they make their way to the office.

Tracey Davey | Office Manager

A reminder that students in Year 10, 11 & 12 who undertook the SA Meningococcal B Vaccine require 2 doses of the vaccine for complete ongoing protection. Students who were absent at the school visit have been sent letters to inform them/their parents that they require 2 doses and are advised where they can go (catch-up clinic/ routine immunisation provider clinics) to obtain the missed vaccination. Students/Parents please ensure that you have acted upon the letter if you were sent one to finalise the immunisation process.

Tracey Davey | Enrolment Registrar/Office Manager

Term 4 is the official time to change to summer uniform for all students. The summer uniform guidelines are outlined in the student planner and on the College website. As part of the summer uniform, the wearing of hats is compulsory for all activities outside the classroom, including recess and lunch. Many students have grown over the winter months and I ask the parents check the length of their daughter’s dresses as they may need lengthening. The required length for all dresses, is knee length. 

Given the variances in Mount Gambier weather, if the temperature is below 23 degrees, students are permitted to wear their winter uniform. 

For those students in Year 2 who have outgrown their R-2 uniform, they are permitted to purchase the Years 3-12 summer uniform in preparation for their move to Year 3 in 2018. 

If you have any queries please contact either the Uniform Shop on 8724 4637 or myself at sandj@tenison.catholic.edu.au

Jennie Sanderson | Director of Wellbeing

A full list of 2018 key dates will follow soon, but to assist with planning, below are some confirmed dates to commence the academic year:

• Tuesday 23 January 2018 - All Teaching Staff commence
• Thursday 25 January 2018 - Book collection day
• Friday 26 January 2018 - Australia Day Public Holiday
• Monday 29 January 2018 - Reception, Years 6, 8, 10,11, 12 commence term 1.  
• Tuesday 30 January 2018 - All other students commence term 1.

You will note the staggered start to the commencement of the year for students. This approach will assist students in the identified year levels to complete the best possible transition processes with the relevant teaching and support staff. We also look forward to preparing transition programs that will accentuate our relationship with parents and carers in the support of student learning and wellbeing.

David Mezinec | Principal

Monday - Cassie Edwards
Tuesday - T.B.A
Wednesday - Emily Hart
Thursday - Julie Considine
Friday - Michelle Black

Each year, Dymocks and Pan Macmillan invite Australian kids to get creative and enter a writing competition that’s judged by the one and only Andy Griffiths.

To celebrate the release of “The 91-Storey Treehouse”, all Andy fans are invited write an imaginative short story. This year’s theme is ‘Living in a Treehouse’.

The one major prize winner will receive their story framed with illustrations by Terry Denton. The top 5 entries (including the winner) will each win an Andy Griffiths book pack containing 14 books, valued at over $200 each.

Entry is open to primary aged school students who are residents of Australia. Entries due by 2 October 2017, with winners will be announced by Thursday 30 November 2017. Find more details at www.dymocks.com.au/promotions