News

Congratulations Conor Flanagan – a Virtual Reality Innovator

Recently I had the opportunity to meet up again with former student, Connor Flanagan, who graduated from the eNVIes New Venture Institute Limestone Coast Dorm on Tuesday 12 June. It was a pleasure discussing with Connor and his sponsor, Jean-Claude Cesario, his innovative concept, Virtual Reality in Schools. Connor is providing an innovative educational engagement opportunity by introducing virtual reality into the curriculum, to engage students in a variety of topics. I look forward to working with Conor in the future for the benefit of our young. To discuss this further with Conor and explore the concept further with him I urge you to contact him via email.

South East Deanery Forum

The Deanery Forum (the meeting of Priests, School Principals and Lay People of the parishes in the South East) took place on Sunday 24 June at 2.00pm at St Thomas of Aquinas Church, Naracoorte. The key agenda item of this forum was the visit of Jill Gallio and Deacon Tim Grauel from the Office for Renewing Parishes. Discussion gravitated around the efforts of our parishes and schools in assisting our communities to experience the love of God more personally and deeply.  We also heard more about the upcoming Australian Plenary Council 2020, which will be conducted in Adelaide.

Country to Canberra – Project Empower

I was delighted that some of our female students participated in the Country to Canberra - Project Empower workshop in the Mount Gambier Town Hall on Monday 25 June. Accentuating positive female role models, the workshop encouraged young females to find their voice and be their best for themselves and for others. We thank Hannah Wandel and Steph Davies for inspiring our young females in the region and wish them well as they continue their road trip around Australia.

Retreat Programs at Tenison Woods College

Last week, our Year 8 students enjoyed their retreat experience at Casadio Park, and next week our Year 11 students will venture to the Grampians for their retreat. I thank staff who support these retreat experiences, which are a foundational and compulsory experience for our students at the College. Carefully prepared and sensitively facilitated, our retreat experiences assist our young to gain a deeper appreciation of who they are and the relationships which nourish their identity and ultimate invitation to a relationship with their God.

Vinnies Winter Sleep Out

As we enjoyed our beds last Friday night, 23 Year 12 students supported by staff members, Chloe Shanahan and Sean Quirke, slept rough underneath the sails for the annual Vinnies Winter Sleep Out. Following on from the success of Thursday night’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Adelaide, it was not an easy night but one that will be etched in the memory of these young adults as they gain an understanding of what it means to be homeless in the South East during the cold winter months.  Sincere thanks to the students and staff for their commitment and perseverance.

Buon voyage – Timor-Leste Immersion Program

The Tenison Woods College 2018 Immersion Program to Timor-Leste will begin next week, with the group departing Mount Gambier on Sunday 1 July and returning on Wednesday 11 July. Under the guidance of Bernadette Fisher, the delegation includes:

• Christine Lloyd (staff member)
• Claudia Bailey (Former Student, now Catholic Mission Guide)
• Ethan Chuck
• Ruby Coote
• Katie Dent
• Taylor Fatchen
• Brock Keding
• Corey Koennecke
• Emerson Marks
• Paige McShane
• Bailey Musci
• Alexandra Oliver
• Kate Telford

This special 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.

I trust these students will 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 centres as well as briefings with key church personnel involved in delivering a range of services and programs. Almost $10,000 has been raised this year, along with the largest amount of stationery ever supplied. Thank you to our community for their generous donations. Funds raised will support the range of needs encountered on the delegation’s journey.

I also look forward to hearing the stories of the delegation and their insights into how the funds raised by our community this year will be donated and put to good use to support our neighbouring sisters and brothers.

Student Exemption Form for Absences Over 5 Days

If your child will be absent from school for more than 5 days, please ensure that you contact the Administration Office to obtain a Student Exemption Form. All absenteeism for more than 5 days is approved by the College Principal and entered into our attendance system to ensure accurate records are maintained and family government benefits and allowances are protected.

Tenison Woods 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. Tickets are now on sale online here.

The event will be held at the Commodore on the Park, where the following 2018 Shining Light Recipients will be celebrated:

• 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.

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

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