News

Parent-teacher-student interviews
It is fitting that Parent-teacher-student Interviews will take place during Catholic Education Week as they accentuate the relationships which are at the heart of our service to families.  I trust the discussions which take place will assist in evolving the personalised learning of each child and adolescent in our care.

I encourage parents and students to visit the Parent Access Module (PAM) to prepare for these interviews.

And as I have often indicated, what sets us apart as a school is that at Tenison Woods College every student has a place, every student has a pathway, every student will shine.  That is at the same time our challenge and what we celebrate daily.

I trust the interviews next week will offer strong testimony to the way we plan for the learning of each individual student who is part of our Tenison Woods College family.

Catholic Education Week
From Friday 12 May until Friday 19 May we will celebrate Catholic Education Week in South Australia, underlining the many benefits of our system of schools, where ultimately every child matters. 

At Tenison Woods College we will acknowledge Catholic Education week with a mass at 8:00am on Wednesday 17 May.  All community members are enthusiastically invited to attend.

I trust Catholic Education Week will offer members of our Tenison Woods College family an opportunity to reflect on the community we are, and the community we are called to be.

Catholic School Funding
Mr Bruno Vieceli, Interim Director, Catholic Education South Australia writes to families in Catholic schools about the considerable media coverage in recent days regarding the government’s education funding announcement. He acknowledges that there have been mixed reviews and commentary about whether or not this will help Australian students:

“Catholic Education South Australia supports the government’s move to make education funding equitable and fair. Schools must receive needs-based funding that reflects the particular needs of students in their school community.

Today the government has launched a website that lists the funding estimates for every school in the country: https://www.education.gov.au/sites/education/files/sch/calc/index.html

The website reports that South Australian Catholic schools will receive an increase in funding; we are yet to verify these amounts. Any increase in funding is appreciated and makes a positive difference to student learning and wellbeing.

At this stage, we still have insufficient details to fully understand the impact this new funding agreement will have on Catholic schools in South Australia. In the past, systemically funded Catholic schools have been block funded which has enabled the redistribution of funds to schools based on our funding mechanism which is informed by Catholic social justice principles.

We look forward to future discussion and consultation with the government about these estimates and the ongoing funding of Catholic Education South Australia.

Please be assured that at the heart of all discussions will be ensuring and securing quality affordable education for every child.”

Generations in Jazz Weekend
I congratulate the many staff, students and parents who participated enthusiastically in the Generations in Jazz Festival last weekend; an outstanding expression of jazz music, youthful energy and passionate learning. 

Special congratulations to the Concert Choir, Senior Vocal Ensemble and Big Band, who acquitted themselves so well and represented the College with distinction.     

Carpark Care
I remind families of the care required in the carpark area. The speed limit of 15km / hour is designed to assist with maintaining the safety of all community members. Likewise, the smooth running of the ‘kiss and drop’ area depends on the courtesy of all users to keep the traffic moving. Should children not be at the ‘kiss and drop’ area ready for pick up, I ask parents to complete another cycle of the area to ensure others can collect their waiting children.

Food Allergy Awareness – awareness, avoidance and action
Living with the risk of a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, takes planning, diligence and clear communication. At Tenison Woods College we believe that our community has a significant role in supporting those who live with the risk, so that through awareness, education and training they and their families can lead normal, healthy lives.

The website http://www.allergyfacts.org.au offers support for individuals, parents and carers of people living with this risk, supporting the critical more personalised treatment and care. We encourage anyone who suspects they may have an allergy or those who have already been diagnosed to consult their allergist, immunologist, paediatrician or GP for personalised treatment and care. This includes regular follow-up so that they can access up to date information on managing their risk of anaphylaxis, and communicating that information to our staff so that our community can support them in the best possible way.

Parish Planned Giving Rebate
I remind families that parents contributing to the St Paul’s Planned Giving may claim a rebate from Tuition Fees of 50% of their contribution up to a maximum claim of $750. Official Parish receipts are to be presented to the Business Manager after the 30 June 2017 for a deduction to be made.

Staff Professional Development Days – 8 and 9 June
Staff are looking forward to the staff professional development days on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 June, when they will look at two specific areas:

Wellbeing and Resilience in our Community – Scoping and Sequence of EY-12 Program with the support of SAHMRI
Our Whole School Action Research Project, informed by workshops conducted by Rowena Ulbricht that will consider 21st Century Learning Design – Self-regulation and knowledge.

I trust students and parents will experience the benefits of the days through our service to students and families throughout the College. I remind families that these days are student-free days. 

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO NEWSLETTER