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Year 12 Graduation

The Graduation was not only an opportunity to celebrate the journey of the students in our community over the years, but also an opportunity to wish them well as they greet life and take their place in our community. The Year 12 students presented themselves with distinction during the evening. Both parents and carers, as well as staff, were justly proud of the young adults they had nurtured for several years.

In amongst wonderful words from our College Captains, Father Dean’s tribute by singing to the Year 12’s ‘The Climb,’ by Miley Cyrus, accompanied by his guitar, was as moving as it was a beautiful tribute to the group.

At this milestone time in the lives of our graduates I asked them to reflect on what they have learnt with us at Tenison Woods College. In a community where:

            “Every learner has a place, every learner has a pathway, every learner will shine.That is our challenge and our celebration.”

My hope for our graduates is that they have learnt simply, that in life:

            “Every person has a place (where they are loved and respected), every person has a pathway (a destiny they will follow), every person will shine. (in the way that our God / their God will invite them to shine).”

At this time, we are drawn to reflect on the past and offer thanks to the variety of people who have assisted these young in their journey. I offered thanks to their parents and carers, staff, parish priests and invited civic leaders who have ensured, in their own way with their own responsibilities and relationships, that these young people present themselves confidently to our local, state, national and global community.

So as the graduates stand before the blank canvas of what I call real life, as distinct from the blank canvas of school life, which I discussed with them in 2011, when they were in Year 5, I asked them now to:

“Paint boldly, paint abundantly, and paint with a love and compassion that inspires others to put their hand up and shine. Knowing, always, that your God, our God, is right by your side.”

I offer sincere appreciation to Sean Quirke and the Senior School Home Class Teachers as well as the Senior School Leadership Team for their efforts in preparing students for their graduation. I also offer a vote of deep appreciation to the PR and Events Team who prepared and presented the evening with their characteristic flair, professionalism, can do and no fuss approach, to craft an unforgettable experience, which, I am confident, will be treasured by our families. 

Advent, Christmas and Gifts

During Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas and the birth of Jesus, we are drawn to think of gifts. Likewise, as we conclude the school year, my appreciation is extended to the students, staff and parents who are the precious gifts of our community. I trust, as we prepare for the birth of Jesus and the wonderful gift for our humanity, that we are also drawn to see the people in our lives as gifts who have assisted us in our individual and communal journey. I trust that we have also learned to look beyond the wrapping and external presentations of those gifts to see their intent, hopes and care they have for us.

My gratitude is also extended to the many people who have contributed their services to the school community in 2018. Thank you for putting your hand up to help out! The quality of education at Tenison Woods College is due to the contribution of many people who support our committed staff, most particularly the members of the School Board, PTA, Parent Class Representatives, LAP volunteers, and all those who have volunteered their service in a variety of ways throughout the College community. Thank you for your contributions and I trust there is a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have been a gift to them and played a part in the ultimate quality of your child’s learning, and that of many others. 

May the joy of Christmas embrace you and your families, and the opportunity for regeneration enliven you as you enjoy the Christmas Season and holiday period.

Last Day of 2019 School Year for Students Next Wednesday

The last day of school for students in the R-9 Sub-schools will be Wednesday December 12 with the school finishing time; 3:15pm for Junior School and 3:20pm for Middle School, to run in line with the regional school buses.

ELCC Graduations – Stepping up from Stepping Stones

Next week we will enjoy the Early Learning and Community Centre Graduation, which mark a significant transition for the young children of our community. The children are stepping from Stepping Stones Program (Kindergarten) to Reception. The vision of our College and parish community is to support families in comprehensive way. We Catholics, call it the vision of a family centred Church; a family centred village, and the ELCC is our wonderful expression of that.

I thank the ELCC staff who, under Domenica Dunn and Angela Cutting’s passionate, experienced and nuanced leadership, have created a warm, inviting and engaging centre. I trust our children, who are well prepared for Reception, confidently enjoy the benefits of our R-12 school community and look with fondness on their learning and care in the ELCC.

Book Collection for 2019 Students

Students in Years R-7 will have Book Collection Day at school on January 25, 2019.  Books can be collected from their new classroom between 8:30am – 10:00am and 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

Year 8 & 9 2019 students can collect their book packs from Foster’s Newsagency:  

• Year 8 and 9 from 17 December
• Year 10, 11 and 12 from 24 January

School Commencement Days for 2019

Reception, Year 6, 8,10,11 & 12 students will commence school on Wednesday 30 January with all other Year levels starting the school year on Thursday 31 January, 2019.  We also invite all parents, and particularly new parents to a Welcome Morning Tea in the College Staff Room at 9:00am on Thursday 31 January, whilst new reception parents are invited to a Receptions Morning Tea on January 30.

School Front Office Opening Hours

The Front office will be closed Friday 14 December for our Whole Staff Development Day, and then closing for the year on Thursday 20 December 2018 and reopening Monday 14 January 2019.

2019 School Calendar

The 2019 School Calendar will be available on the Tenison Woods College' Website, or accessed through PAM and will be emailed to families from 14 December 2018.

Key dates for the commencement of 2019:

A full list of 2019 key dates will follow soon, but to assist with planning I inform our College community of dates to commence the academic year:

• Tuesday 22 January               All Teaching Staff commence
• Wednesday 23 January         CESA Live, Learn, Lead Together Celebration in Adelaide for all Catholic Education SA Staff
• Thursday 24 January              Staff Planning Day
• Friday 25 January                   Book collection day and Staff Planning Day
• Monday 28 January                Australia Day Public Holiday
• Tuesday 29 January               Staff Planning Day
• Wednesday 30 January         Reception, Years 6, 8, 10,11, 12 commence Term 1
• Thursday 31 January              All other students commence Term 1

You will note the staggered start to the commencement of the year for students.  This approach will assist students in the identified year levels to complete the best possible transition processes with the relevant teaching and support staff.  We also look forward to preparing transition programs that will accentuate our relationship with parents and carers in the support of student learning and wellbeing.

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

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