News

RUOK? and the Putting Your Hand Up to Help Out

R U OK? Day is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that we’ve all got what it takes to ask, “are you ok?” and support those struggling with life. Taking part can be as simple as learning R U OK?’s four steps so you can have a conversation that could change a life.

These steps are discussed here:

and are as simple as:

• Asking R U OK?
• Listen with an open mind.
• Encourage action.
• Check in again afterwards.

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed in people, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. And if all is well, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.  And that is precisely the theme of our endeavours this year; individuals matter to the College community and our care for individuals in our community is the ultimate measure of our whole community. 

Origins of R U OK Day

In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from ok. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions. In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured.

While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn't be enough.  To genuinely change behaviour Australia-wide, a national campaign was needed. And from this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born.

Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011.  His and Janina’s legacy is ensuring all Australians realise a little question can make a big difference to those people struggling with life.

Tenison Celebrations 

So at Tenison Woods College the day is about inspiring people to start these conversations every day of the year; to let individual people know that they matter to others in the community and indeed the whole community.  Their wellbeing can be enhanced by the way we put our hand up to help out. 

Watch more here.

I am delighted that our student leaders are creating awareness on Thursday 13th September. Highlights of the day will include a wide range of activities throughout the College, with the main events being held during lunch time. Some of these activities include:   Make a pledge; Face painting; A treasure hunt; A Junior School Disco for R-5s run by the Senior Students.  Stalls will include smiley face cupcakes, jellies, Milo Football competition and a scavenger hunt.  I am also delighted that Headspace will set up an information booth and lucky dips for students.  Students will have the opportunity to meet care dogs, participate in games on the oval run by the House Leaders. The day will begin with a whole school prayer, and the R U OK? Song instead of bells. R U OK? Day’s official colour is yellow and students may like to wear a yellow accessory, i.e. t-shirt, ribbon/bow, hair tie/s, wrist band/sweatband, socks, and the like to show support for this day.   We look forward to beginning conversations and asking R U OK?  To find out more visit https://www.ruok.org.au/

So I encourage students to get involved and parents to discuss this issue with them at home.

Staff Formation Day – 7 September

Our Staff Formation Day was held in Mount Gambier on Friday September 7 2018.  The day was an opportunity for staff deepen their theological understanding and spiritual growth, and spend time celebrating the richness of Catholic Education in our region with colleagues from Tenison Woods College, St Anthony’s and Mary MacKillop Memorial School.

BYOD at Tenison Woods College in 2019

I remind our community that as from 2019 students in years 8-12 will be asked to Bring Your Own Device as part of our evolving ICT strategy at Tenison woods College.  I remind families, 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.  It is a wonderful resource prepared and curated by our committed ICT Support Team.

Tenison Woods College Re-union – 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 the Mount Gambier; are invited to our reunion Awards and BBQ Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October 2018.

During the Shining Light Awards evening we will present our 2018 Shining Lights at the Commodore on the Park, and celebrate the contributions of the following Shining Light Recipients:

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

Tickets on sale now, and can be purchased from http://www.ticketebo.com.au/tenison-woods-college/2018-shining-light-awards.html

Following the awards, there will be a BBQ lunch and college tour at 12:30pm on Sunday 28 October, following Mass at St. Pauls Church at 11:00am.

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

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