News

Study Leave and EduTECH 2018

Special thanks to Liza Couzens, Mary de Nys, the Leadership team and staff generally for covering my renewal/study leave absence from week three to week six this term. It has been a wonderful opportunity and gift of time to research the wellbeing and resilience of six school communities in South Australia and Victoria. This term, the research schools will be implementing a W&R measurement tool for schools that I have constructed for students (Years 4-12), staff and parents.  Next term I will be conducting focus group interviews about the implementation of their wellbeing and resilience approaches to discern the types of strategies which bring impact and sustainability to such initiatives in school communities. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to conduct this research as part of CESA’s Renewal Leave program for school Principals.

There has been wonderful work completed by the school community in the past four weeks, which I have appreciated from an arms length. I congratulate Liza, staff, students and families for the wonderful experiences and student achievements during this time.

In the last three days of study leave, I enjoyed the opportunity to attend EduTECH 2018 with Colin Langford and Neal Turley. This was a great opportunity to reflect on our learning community in the context of contemporary developments in educational leadership, pedagogy, technology and design.  Watch this space for more about how these learnings from EduTECH will inform our master plan process, building plans and pedagogical approach.

Refugee Week – With courage let us all combine  

In 2018, Refugee Week will be held from 17 - 23 June, raising awareness about the issues affecting refugees and celebrating the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. Originally celebrated in 1986, Refugee Week coincides with World Refugee Day (20 June).

#WithRefugees is the theme for Refugee Week 2018 in Australia. Today, more than ever, we need a global movement to demand the safety and rights of refugees are protected. In Australia, it is the responsibility of our Government, and each one of us to ensure people forced to flee from their homes can live with dignity and with hope.

Staff Professional Development Days – 7 and 8 June

Staff from Reception to Year 12 appreciated the opportunity on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 June to devote deliberate energies to the learning and assessment experiences prepared for students, as well as the wellbeing approach at the school. Early Learning staff were also able to join in on the Friday. I trust students and parents will experience the benefits of the professional development days. 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.

Tenison Woods College Shining Light Awards – A great deal to celebrate!

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 the 2018 Shining Light Awards on Saturday 27 October. The event will be held at the Commodore on the Park, where five Shining Light recipients will be celebrated. We congratulate the 2018 Shining Light Recipients:

• Alan Balshaw
• Anthony Casadio (Dec)
• Sally Duigan
• Jeanette Elliott
• Jenna McCormick

We will also be holding a BBQ lunch and tour of the College on Sunday 28 October. Tickets to the Shining Light Awards will be on sale very soon! More details to follow, but for now lock these dates in your diary, let your old school friends know and get along – you won’t be disappointed!

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

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