News

Timor-Leste Immersion Program
The Tenison Woods College 2017 Immersion Program to Timor-Leste is fast approaching. Under the guidance of Bernadette Fisher and a committed band of parents, students have been busily fund raising to support the people of this beautiful but impoverished country. 

This unique opportunity, under the auspices of Catholic Mission and its Getting Involved Globally (GIG) program, will offer our students an immersion experience and the chance to see the world through the eyes of mission and justice.

The purpose of the immersion experience is to gain insights into the realities of life for our poorest neighbors of Timor-Leste in both village and urban contexts as well as to witness the work of the Church as it meets the material, pastoral and spiritual needs of the communities served by its presence. This journey will include opportunities to visit orphanages, schools, health clinics and training centers as well as briefings with key church personnel involved in delivering a range of services and programs. Funds raised will support the range of needs encountered on the delegation’s journey.

I look forward to the success of the Timor-Leste High Tea Fundraiser, this Sunday 18 June from 2:30pm – 4:30pm in the Parish Hall, Mount Gambier, as another significant commitment from our school community to supporting our sisters and brothers in Timor-Leste.

Staff Professional Development Days – 8 and 9 June
Staff from the Early Learning Centre to Year 12 appreciated the opportunity on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 June to devote deliberate energies to:

• 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 looked at 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. The verdict across the staff of the school was two very productive days, and we look forward to implementing the learnings so that our students benefit from our experiences. 

Punctuality – an important life learning
Thank you to families who are continuing to accentuate the importance of punctuality to school and to lessons.  Punctuality is one of the most important life lessons and lays the foundation for success in what students may wish to achieve. I remind students and parents that in the mornings, classes commence at 8:40am. Teaching Staff have been asked to carefully register and follow-up lateness issues and non-attendance as per our school guidelines. Punctuality is a way of showing respect for others in the school team, who are relying on you to be there so that home class and learning can commence. Therefore, punctuality is as much about respect for others as it is about personal organisation. Consequently, I ask parents to assist our young in developing strong punctuality habits.

I invite members of our community to express interest in a trip to China in 2018. The trip is being organised by Snowie Aarts in collaboration with Annie Clifford and will be a great chance to reconnect with some of our Chinese sister schools. What a wonderful way to experience China as part of a delegation that is being greeted by our warm and enthusiastic Chinese friends who are keen to repay our hospitality during their recent visits.

David Mezinec | Principal

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO NEWSLETTER