Mini Notes a Massive Success

R U OK? and the Potential of One
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 the four steps so you can have a conversation that could change a life.

The four steps are as simple as:

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

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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 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.

Year 10 Retreat
Year 10 students will be participating in the annual Year 10 Retreat next Thursday 21 September at the Main Corner. The theme for the day is “Many Colours, One God”. The day will help students understand the value of diversity and how to celebrate it and to encourage students to reflect on how Jesus would handle the diversity dilemmas we encounter in everyday life.  

Sacrament Process Preparation Begins
The next program to prepare children to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), then Confirmation and First Holy Communion in 2018, is about to begin.

All families who would like their child / children to be part of this process are invited to let the parish know of their intentions. A letter inviting families to become part of the Process of Initiation with their children has been given to all children in Year 3 at Tenison Woods College, and to those in other year levels who have already indicated their intentions to be part of this process. The letter is also available from the parish office or the College for anyone interested.

The process begins on Thursday 28 September, with a General Information Meeting to be held in Tenison Woods College Staff Room from 7.00pm until 8.00pm, so the letter would need to be collected before then.

For more information phone the Parish Office on 8725 6566 or email mt.gambier.catholic1@bigpond.com

Parish Mass
A reminder that Parish mass is held each Thursday of the term (except Week 1) and is led by a different class or year level each week.

Mass is held at 9:15am in the College Chapel and all parents, grandparents and friends are welcome to attend.

The remaining roster for Term 3 masses is:

• Thursday 14 September - Year 8
• Thursday 21 September - Year 12
• Thursday 28 September - Year 9

Sandra Quirke | ARPIM Administration Officer

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 our 2017 Shining Light Awards on Saturday 14 October and to join us on Sunday 15 October for a BBQ and tour of the College.

Tickets are now on sale for the evening at www.ticketebo.com.au/shininglight. Get in quick, tickets are limited! Follow the official Tenison Woods College Facebook page to find out more about our outstanding Shining Light award recipients.

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Due to the recent weather conditions we have been experiencing, there has been significant impact to the surface in the Junior School / ELCC car park. Our intention is to apply a long term solution to this issue but with the car park’s geographical location and constant use we are unable to apply this during the school term. We hope to carry out these works in the October holidays but in the meantime (weather permitting) we will continue to apply a short term solution to try and keep the surface as even as possible. We ask that families please continue to exercise due care when driving through the entrance into the car park until the issue has been resolved.

Neal Turley | Business Manager

On Wednesday 7 September, six of our Tenison Woods College netball teams made their way down to the Olympic Park Netball Courts in the unfavorable weather, to take part in the Division B Netball Carnival against surrounding schools.

As the annual carnival is solely based on participation, having fun and being social, all games were central timed and no scores were taken. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal, however the girls braved themselves in the cold as the games were only called off once due to rain.

This carnival is a great opportunity for students who aren’t familiar with netball to experience playing the sport, as skills and knowledge aren’t a requirement during the day. It also gives students a chance to associate themselves with other students from surrounding schools, meet new people and create new friendships within the community.

It was great to see everything run smoothly and all who participated enjoyed the netball filled day.

Morgan Fisher | PE Administration Trainee

A full list of 2018 key dates will follow soon, but to assist with planning, below are some confirmed dates to commence the academic year:

• Tuesday 23 January 2018 - All Teaching Staff commence
• Thursday 25 January 2018 - Book collection day
• Friday 26 January 2018 - Australia Day Public Holiday
• Monday 29 January 2018 - Reception, Years 6, 8, 10,11, 12 commence term 1.  
• Tuesday 30 January 2018 - 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.

David Mezinec | Principal

Congratulations to Year 11 student, Baie Perryman, who has successfully completed a snowboard instructor course in Thredbo, NSW. Baie is now a qualified Level 1 Snowboard Instructor and a member of the Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Association.

Since first experiencing the thrill of snowboarding around eight years ago, Baie has eagerly been waiting to become a Snowboard Instructor. Once turning 16, she was eligible to enrol so jumped straight in the car and made the 16 hour trip to Thredbo to begin the training.

Baie plans to use her qualification after she graduates from school, in her gap year. This is the beginning of a career in the snow for Baie and her determination and tenacity certainly is inspiring to other students. Well done Baie!

Monday - Cassie Edwards
Tuesday - Julianne Teagle-Lillecrapp
Wednesday - Liz Fennell
Thursday - Anne Gaffney
Friday - Teresa Cain

Thursday 14 September

• R U OK Day
• 2018 Year 10 subject counselling (until Friday)

Friday 15 September

• Junior School Assembly, 2.15pm, Barrie Holmes Stadium
• Year 5 Class of the Past excursion, Penola

Monday 18 September

• Stage 1 Outdoor Education Bushwalking Camp C, Cape Bridgewater (until Wednesday)
• SSSSA Open Girls Soccer Finals
• 2018 Year 12 subject counselling

Tuesday 19 September

• Reception Boandik Lodge Excursion
• Monarto Zoo Excursion (until Thursday)
• 2018 Year 11 subject counselling (until Wednesday)
• Parent Education Week Session - 7.00pm, Tenison Woods College Staffroom 

Wednesday 20 September

• SSSSA 8/9 Girls Soccer Finals
• Wellbeing and Resillience Training for Parents, 6.00pm, Staffroom
• Parent Education Week Session - 7.00pm, Tenison Woods College Staffroom 

Thursday 21 September

• Year 10 Retreat
• SAPSASA Basketball Finals Day, Adelaide
• International Day of Peace
• Parent Education Week Session - 7.00pm, Tenison Woods College Staffroom 

Friday 22 September

• Junior School Assembly, 2.15pm, Barrie Holmes Stadium
• Whole School Casual Clothes Day

In our Year 10 Media Studies class last week, we were assigned the task of reporting on the Junior Primary ‘Music is Fun’ concert.

Music is Fun is an afternoon of music and fun for Junior Primary students of Tenison Woods College, held annually in the Barrie Holmes Stadium during Term 3. This year, the concert was held on Thursday 7 September, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. The Music is Fun cast comprises of Andre as the Band Manager and Brass Musician, Nick and Katie on Lead Vocals, Johno on Keyboard, Eve on Flute, Ukulele and Acting and Cameron on Drums.

The concert is always a highly anticipated event for students, teachers and parents of the college. This year, there was a great deal of excitement when the songs were playing. Staff and Students were dancing and enjoying themselves the entire time. The performers made the music ‘fun’ by giving demonstrations of the various instruments and techniques used throughout the show.

In the lead up to the concert, Junior Primary students took part in music lessons that were planned by the Music is Fun group. These lessons allowed students to learn and prepare for musical items that were played at the concert.

A highlight of the concert was seeing students dress up and perform alongside the artists. There was a buzz and sense of energy in the air with students enthusiastically participating and dancing the afternoon away. It is great to see that Music is Fun continues today, as I fondly remember attending the concert throughout my Junior School years.

Breydon Verryt-Reid | Year 10 Media Studies Student

Term 4 is the official time to change to summer uniform for all students. The summer uniform guidelines are outlined in the student planner and on the College website. As part of the summer uniform, the wearing of hats is compulsory for all activities outside the classroom, including recess and lunch. Many students have grown over the winter months and I ask the parents check the length of their daughter’s dresses as they may need lengthening. The required length for all dresses, is knee length. 

Given the variances in Mount Gambier weather, if the temperature is below 23 degrees, students are permitted to wear their winter uniform. 

For those students in Year 2 who have outgrown their R-2 uniform, they are permitted to purchase the Years 3-12 summer uniform in preparation for their move to Year 3 in 2018. 

If you have any queries please contact either the Uniform Shop on 8724 4637 or myself at sandj@tenison.catholic.edu.au

Jennie Sanderson | Director of Wellbeing

Buy less stuff
We’ve gone nuts for cheap clothes, homewares and trinkets in the past few decades and much of it’s simply unnecessary. Think about every non-food related purchase and when you do decide to buy something, always seek a second-hand option.

Aim for zero food waste
Eat leftovers or magic them into a new meal; get a worm farm, compost heap, chickens and/or pet. If you can’t do some of this, donate your food waste to someone with a garden.

Build community
Humans need each other; it’s in our nature to support and co-exist. Make a conscious effort to become part of your community, no matter where you are. This means shopping locally, getting to know your neighbours, being involved in local events and keeping an eye on the elderly.

Tom Linnell | Early Years - Year 12 Sustainability Coordinator

A huge congratulations to one of our Year 7 students, Rori Perryman, who has been selected in the SAPSASA 12 and under State Basketball team  to compete in the Pacific School Games in Adelaide, from 2-9 December. This selection identifies Rori as one of the best basketball talents in the State and she will be competing with and against the best 12 and under basketballers in the country. On top of this, Rori will also be competing in the State SAPSASA Basketball finals being held in Adelaide on 21 September. This is a Tenison Titans girls team that have won a series of competitions, allowing them the opportunity to bid for the State title. Other members of this team are: Siobhan Adams, Ady Armitage, Amryn Bosko, Ellie Bouchier, Callie Carmody, Alyssa Duncan and Maddy Stevens. We wish all these girls the best in their upcoming sporting competitions.

Grant Lean | Early Learning - Year 7 Sport Coordinator

There will be a Whole School Casual Clothes Day on Friday 22 September (week 9) to raise funds for Catholic Charities. 

Students are asked to please bring a gold coin donation, along with a can of food to donate also.

Regular Opening Hours:

• Tuesday 8.00am - 12.00pm
• Thursday 1.00pm - 5.00pm

Holiday Opening Hours:

• Tuesday 10 October - 9.00am - 1.00pm
• Thursday 12 October - 12.00pm - 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 October - 9.00am - 12.00pm
• Monday 16 October - 8.00am - 12.00pm

Regular Opening Hours from Tuesday 17 October onwards.

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The Tenison Woods College onsite Health Club, EFM, is offering a fantastic deal! 30 days of unlimited group personal training and classes for only $30! They even have 8:30am school drop off time slots available for parents! Contact Jenny on 0403 891 952 or email mtgambier@efm.net.au to register your interest.

Jenny McPhail | EFM Health Clubs Mount Gambier

Tenison Woods College
Shepherdson Road (PO Box 965)
Mount Gambier South Australia 5290

t: (08) 8725 5455 (Main Office)
f: (08) 8724 9303
t: (08) 8724 4650 (Senior School)
Absentee Line: (08) 8724 4659
OSHC Line: (08) 8724 4633

e: news@tenison.catholic.edu.au
w: www.tenison.catholic.edu.