World Refugee Week ~ With courage let us all combine

Nathan Burke – HPSP Ambassador
Following his 3-day visit last week, we are delighted that AFL legend, Nathan Burke, has accepted our offer to be the High Performance Sports Program’s first ambassador.

Nathan Burke worked with our College community under the auspice of our Wellbeing Team and the High Performance Sports Program. Nathan spent time with our School Student Leaders, our Ignite Program students, HPSP students, staff, parents and Year 12 students. It was clear that his message resonated with the variety of audiences as he imparted his football knowledge and also discussed resilience, overcoming adversity, reducing stress, developing coping skills, attitude, gratitude and comfort zones, as well as presenting sessions on “How to be a good bloke”.

A triple club best and fairest winner for St Kilda, Nathan's status as one of the game's premier on-ballers was emphasised with his selection in no fewer than four AFL All Australian teams. He was St Kilda's co-captain along with Stewart Loewe from 1996 to 1998 and skippered the side in his own right in 1999 and 2000. In 2002 he was selected in a forward pocket in the Saints' official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'. Nathan was one of the toughest players to play for St Kilda, and set the club record of 323 games when he retired in 2003 after a debilitating knee injury.

We look forward to Nathan returning to the College in 2018 to work further with our community and to carry out ambassadorial activities to assist the High Performance Sports Program. 

Sophie Dunn – Our Shining Millennial
I was delighted to read an article on Saturday 3 June in the Herald Sun Weekend Edition newspaper, featuring former Tenison Woods College student and year 12 Graduate, Sophie Dunn. It was clear that Sophie is a wonderful example of a talented, hardworking generation who are at the same time learning to harnesses, as well as critique, technology to enhance their lifestyle. I encourage you to read this very interesting and insightful article here.

Timor-Leste Immersion Program
Thank you to all the parishioners and school community members who contributed to the success of the Timor-Leste High Tea Fundraiser, last Sunday 18 June, supporting our sisters and brothers in Timor-Leste. We have been overwhelmed with the contributions made through various fundraisers this term, including the 2017 Charity Ball, the High Tea and the wine fundraiser. The Timor-Leste immersion trip will commence at the beginning of Week 10 this term and we wish all students and staff involved a safe and rewarding experience while they are away.

David Mezinec | Principal

Youth Survey
In 2018 there will be a Synod of Bishops in Rome on ‘Youth, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment’. Pope Francis has asked that the voices of young people be evident in the Synod conversations, and so every diocese throughout the world has been asked to provide information about their young people.

In response the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has created an online survey for young people between the ages of 16-29. The survey is for all young people, whether practising or non-practising Catholics, and whether deeply committed or those on the margins.

The survey is available at this link: https://www.catholic.org.au/youthsurvey

Parish Mass: 9.15am each Thursday
Week 8: Thursday 22 June – Year 9
Week 9: Thursday 29 June – Year 7
Week 10: Thursday 6 July – Year 11

Michelle Coote | APRIM - Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Following the Tenison Woods College boy’s success in the Annual 9-A-Side Football Carnival on Thursday 1 June, the girl’s teams were up for a fight to win the back to back champion title on Thursday 15 June. To win for the third time in a row, they needed to win as many games as possible to create a combined winning percentage with the boy’s results.

Throughout the day it was great to see all the girls who participated play skilled, clean and fun football. The girls were self-coached and it was great to see the team spirit they displayed to not only their team mates but to the other schools they played against.

Overall, the Year 8 Girls won two out of three games, resulting in a percentage summary of 66.6%. However, Mount Gambier High successfully defeated everyone in the division, creating the perfect score of 100.0%. The Year 9 Girls only won one game out of three, however, showed the most improvement out of everyone for the day. They scored a percentage of 33.3%, along with Grant High School and Millicent High School. However, again Mount Gambier High School came first in the division with 100.0%.

With no Year 10 Girls participating in the Carnival, we called upon our talented and experienced Year 9 footballers and created a team to play in the older division. The girls did exceptionally well, winning all of their games and finishing the day with a percentage of 100.0%.

The overall Tenison Woods College Titans combined results (Boys and Girls) were 20.5 wins and 12.5 losses, giving the students a successful win percentage of 62.1% and taking home the John Seebohm Shield for the third year in a row.

We congratulate everyone who participated and we look forward to backing it up once again in the 2018 9-A-Side Carnival. 

Morgan Fisher | PE Administration Trainee

This Saturday 24 June the Poplars are hosting a bike garage sale. There will be bikes for sale for no more than $20.00. The sale will be held in the top shed at the back of the College (via the White Avenue entrance) from 8:30am until 10:00am.

Information from: Skilling Australia – Perceptions are not reality

Australia’s Vocational Education & Training (VET) system is internationally respected for its ability to deliver flexible, relevant and responsive education and training to explicit national quality standards. However, multiple misconceptions surround the VET industry. Compared with university, VET is often considered the poor second cousin, seemingly receiving less positive attention in the media, among career counsellors and, significantly, with parents. Confusion about career earnings, employability and course relevance have led to a culture of belief that only university qualifications guarantee a future career. The core of the myths and false perceptions surrounding VET simply do not stack up against the facts. 

Myth #2
VET graduates struggle to find work
In Australia today, it is a commonly held view that university is the only road to a full-time career. Nearly three in ten respondents (28%) felt that the main reason Australians choose university over VET is because university graduates find work more easily.

Fact
VET graduates have a higher employment rate than undergraduates. More than 78% of VET graduates are employed after training.
Despite university enrolments continuing to rise, the proportion of university graduates in full-time employment post-graduation continues to fall. Between 2008-2014 the proportion of bachelor degree graduates in full-time employment fell from 86% to 68% (the lowest number in three decades) and still remains low at 69%. Comparatively, 78% of VET graduates are employed after training and 82% of graduates who participated in VET as a part of an apprenticeship or traineeship are employed after training. The graduate employment rate of VET students who train as part of a trade apprenticeship is as high as 92%.

Joanne MacLean | VET Coordinator and Business Studies Teacher

The Tenison Woods College Open Girls Football team made it to the second round of the SSSSA Open Girls Knockout Football Tournament. They played two games in Keith on Wednesday 14 June and unfortunately were not successful in progressing to the third round of the tournament, but they sure did put up a strong contest.

In their first game against Murray Bridge High School, the girls started off strong with a score of 2.3 to 0.0 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Titans were lacking offensive skills in the forward line and were unable to score, however, they didn’t give up. With determination and strength, they continued to dominate the field in every position, kicking four goals in the third quarter, giving them a lead of 6.3 to 0.0.

The second half of the game was quite physical, with the contest of the ball heightened by both teams. This only increased the girl’s performance, pushing a lead Murray Bridge knew they would never be able to reach, successfully winning 7.6 (48) to 0.0 (0).

The second game was against Mercedes College, who presented athleticism, strength and want for the ball which in the beginning of the match, threw our girls off guard, creating a score of 0.1 to 2.1. However, the Titans regained themselves in the second quarter, working overtime in the forward line to come back and thanks to Olivia Fuller we were able to score 1.2 to 2.1. In the second half of the game, intensity was heightened and every minute on the clock counted. With Mercedes College tired and weak, our girls managed to use what little strength they had to finish the game off strong, kicking two goals minutes before the final siren blew, resulting in a draw 3.2 to 3.2.

With this final result, it was down to percentage. Mercedes College needed to win against Murray Bridge by 48 points or more to progress to the next round of the tournament. Unfortunately for the Titans Open Girls team, Mercedes were successful in doing so, meaning we are unable to defend the 2016 State Championship Title in the SSSSA Open Girls Knockout Football Tournament.

The goal kickers for the day were Olivia Fuller (2), Jasmine Croser (2), Bella Stratford (2), Ella Little (2), and Ellie Gould (1).

Best players were awarded to Madi Turner, Bella Stratford, Zoe Duncan, Chloe Vanderhorst, Lara MacGregor, Olivia Fuller and Jasmine Croser.

We congratulate our girls on their efforts and wish Mercedes College luck with their upcoming games.

Morgan Fisher | PE Administration Trainee

Monday - TBA 
Tuesday - TBA
Wednesday - Lyn Wilson
Thursday - Cassie Edwards
Friday - Michelle Black
 

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Thursday 22 June

• Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge, Barrie Holmes Stadium.
• Semester 1 year 11 examinations commence (until next Tuesday)
• Year 5 vs Staff Football Match

Friday 23 June

• Feast of Sacred Heart
• Year 12 Winter Sleepout
• Junior School Assembly, 2.15pm, Barrie Holmes Stadium

Monday 26 June

• Term 3 Reception visit, 9.00am - 12.00pm
• SAPSASA Hockey and Soccer Carnivals in Adelaide
• Semester 1 Year 10 in class examinations commence (until Friday)

Tuesday 27 June

• Year 8/9 Boys Football, North Gambier Football Oval

Wednesday 28 June

• Year 8/9 Girls and Year 10 Boys Soccer, Tenison Woods College Soccer Oval
• Reception Art Exhibition, 6.30pm
• College Board Meeting, 7.30pm in the Board Room

Thursday 29 June

• St Peter and Paul Day

Friday 30 June

• Year 1 Fairytale Day
• Junior School Assembly, 2.15, Barrie Holmes Stadium
• Year 8/9 Girls Football, Tintinara Football Oval

On Friday 16 June, our Junior School students at Tenison Woods College took part in their annual Jump Rope for Heart - jump off.

This year, Year 2 students were paired up with Year 5 students, Receptions with Year 3’s and Year 1 students with Year 4’s. In their groups, they participated in the annual jump off that helps raise money for the Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students have been developing their skipping skills this term and have come up with many tricks that they shared with the Year 3, 4 and 5 students they teamed with for the jump off.

Skipping helps the students to see the importance of regular physical activity that can be done in a fun and non-competitive manner. Gaining sponsorship for their skipping is a way they raise money for heart research and community health programs in Australia. This year, students have raised over $2,500 dollars to go towards a fantastic cause. Our students presented a positive approach to the ‘Jump Off’ which saw them actively skipping for the majority of the 35 minutes of music in this year’s program.

I would like to thank all the Junior School students and fellow staff for their positive and active approach to this event.

Troy Mustey | Reception – Year 2 PE Teacher

We are seeking feedback regarding the recent Parent Teacher Interviews, held in the Pam Ronan Centre, over two evenings in Week 3, Term 2.

In the spirit of ongoing improvement, we encourage you to contribute your thoughts and feedback, by completing the survey here.

It is clearly evident that family engagement matters greatly for student success. Research shows that family engagement improves school readiness, student achievement and social skills. Furthermore, an increasing number of innovative approaches to education leverage and connect the many settings and times in which children learn and grow to create seamless, complementary learning systems that place families as core partners in the learning process. 

Family engagement does not happen in a vacuum. Rather, it takes the committed actions of both families and schools working together - through parent-teacher conferences as well as other forms of engagement - to support student success.

Thank you for your feedback.

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 Shining Light Awards on Saturday 14 October, 2017. More details to follow, including information on how to purchase tickets, but for now lock this date in your diary, let your old school friends know and get along – you won’t be disappointed!

The Timor Immersion participants have been very busy over the past few weeks as they finalise their fundraising efforts to take to Timor-Leste in a fortnight’s time.

Last weekend, students were given a blessing at mass and then sold soup after both masses. They would like to thank all who bought soup, made soup or gave donations.

On Sunday afternoon they ran a very successful High Tea and catered for over 90 people. Thanks to Ellyana Sims and Aimee Black for their outstanding entertainment and to all staff and families who supported the event.

Michelle Coote | APRIM - Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Last Tuesday a group of Tenison Woods College Social Justice leaders travelled to Millicent to join the St Anthony’s Primary School students for the Feast of St Anthony. They joined in the mass and activities and enjoyed the day of mixing with students and teachers from Millicent and Penola. Students are pictured here in the Church in front of the statue of St Anthony.

Michelle Coote | APRIM - Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

I acknowledge and appreciate the important work that volunteers carry out within our school environment. Our community is greatly enhanced by people stepping up to the potential of one; the generous donation of time and talent by volunteers who work in a variety of areas for the benefit of our young:

• Canteen
• Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) Program
• Sports coaching
• Learning and Assistance Program (LAP)
• Reading
• Working Bees
• Excursions/Incursions

June is Volunteer Sign Up Month at Tenison Woods College
If you are currently volunteering or would like to volunteer in any capacity at Tenison Woods College, we ask that you complete the volunteer registration process this month. Trudi Dempsey, who manages the volunteer process, will issue people who complete the process with a warm beverage voucher from the Sugarloaf Café.

Please read and complete the Volunteer Registration Information Booklet and hand it in to the Tenison Woods College Front Office. Prior to partaking in any form of volunteering, a Work Health and Safety induction must be completed. You can do this online or when you go to the College to submit your paperwork. A Catholic Police Check is also required prior to volunteering and this will be arranged through the College free of charge.

For more information and to register, visit the Volunteering page on the College website.

Please note that all of the processes are mandatory and the entire process is to be completed before you can be placed on the School’s Volunteer Register.

This regulation is designed to ensure our children are protected and safe at school. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at school if you have any further queries.

Thank you for your cooperation, and don’t forget to use your voucher at the Sugarloaf Cafe.

David Mezinec | Principal

I invite members of our community to express interest in a trip to China in 2018. The trip is being organised by Snowie Aarts in collaboration with Annie Clifford and will be a great chance to reconnect with some of our Chinese sister schools. What a wonderful way to experience China as part of a delegation that is being greeted by our warm and enthusiastic Chinese friends who are keen to repay our hospitality during their recent visits. 

The College uniform shop will be open during the second week of the school holidays at the following times:

Tuesday 18 July - 9.00am - 1.00pm

Thursday 20 July - 12.00pm - 4.00pm 

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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.