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Shining Lights Awards
Last Saturday evening, 14 October, I was delighted to be involved in a celebration of Catholic school communities in Mount Gambier; communities which have let their light shine for 137 years.

Our focus this year at the College is “stepping up to the potential of one,” and Saturday evening we stood in our abundance, on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. 

The evening was all about valuing that story of endeavour, from the pioneering efforts of Father Julian Tenison Woods and Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, to the Sisters of Mercy and Marist Brothers, who chose the path less travelled and made all the difference to the families of the South East. As such we valued the story of St Joseph’s Convent, St Mary’s School, Mater Christi College, Marist Brothers Agricultural College, St Paul’s School, Tenison College and now Tenison Woods College. The evening celebrated the contributions of all students, parents, staff and friends of the College who have helped us evolve to become the community we are today.

2017 Shining Lights
Saturday we continued on a journey of telling our story proudly. And we will do it each year at this time of the year, by capturing the story of individuals who offer insights into who we were, who we are, and who we want to be.  

The awards aim to recognise significant contributions made by former students, families or staff to our local and global community in order to inspire current and future students about the essence of our community and their call to service.

So, Saturday, in the capable hands of the talented David Kenseley, local identity and former student of Tenison College, we celebrated:

• Maurice Corcoran
• Natalie Medhurst
• Robert Peake
• Pauline Kenny
• Noel Bull

These Shining lights add to our honour roll from 2016, including:

• Lorraine and Ken Gazzard
• Jessica Braithwaite
• Tony Pasin
• Cristina D’Agostino
• Eric Roughana

On Saturday, we heard about our recipients’ lives and contributions, their inspirations and motivations, as people who have let their light shine. Just like the Shining Light mementos they received as an acknowledgement, they have stood out as beacons for those around them. 

I trust that these stories will help us reflect on others who deserve nomination, in the spirit of telling the wonderful story that has evolved today to be Tenison Woods College. 

Below is an album of photos from the evening.

Thanks
I feel the reunion was a wonderful celebration of individual endeavour, but also of the family nature of our community and the way this community over many years has inspired individuals to achieve and serve their community. The recurring theme was the significant impact of teachers who inspired our young to dream, work hard and be the person they are called to be. 

I thank members of our community for attending this significant evening in the story of our community. I particularly thank the Public Relations and Events Team, and the Friends of Tenison Woods College Committee for their efforts in preparing for the Reunion and the College tours on the following Sunday. Special thanks to Jen McCourt and our Hospitality students, whose service on the evening was exemplary. Likewise, Penny Mansell, Beth Creedy and our talented Woodwind Ensemble students provided musical entertainment of the highest quality.

Now who should be one of our 2018 Shining Lights?

To nominate someone, click here.

Staff starting this term
We welcome Tim Peters as a new member of our ICT Support Team. Tim is well known to the College community, having three children attending the College. Likewise, Linda Jordan also has children at the College, and will support our International as well as new arrival students. We also welcome Stacey Bradley as a full time Year 4 teacher this term. Another parent, Chris O’Callaghan, will also be starting as an ESO in the music faculty.

We wish all new staff the best of luck as they commence their journey with the College community and look forward to the skills, talents and commitment to young people they will bring to the Tenison family.               

Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Award – Environment and Sustainability Award
On Friday night, Tenison Woods College gained the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business award for Environment and Sustainability. This was a wonderful validation of our efforts so far as a community committed to ecological conversion, but knowing also that there is much more for us to do in this space.

Congratulations and thank you to Tom Linnell and Chris Lloyd who lodged the application and to all students, staff and parents who are committing themselves to the vision of a better world through their own individual commitment and their commitment as a community of learners; an authentic expression of our school theme, “stepping up to the potential of one.”

Gov Hack National Winners
I am delighted to inform you that the entry of Mount Gambier Youth Node Winners, Liam Moulden, Edward Layzell and Dylan McCarthy has won the Gov Hack National Award held in Brisbane on 14 October.

This group of people are young upcoming entrepreneurs and the competition was an opportunity for them to exhibit their professionalism and excellent time management throughout the competing weekend. Having these skills developed at such a young age is something they should all be proud of.

Dylan represented the team in Brisbane and indicated that they were very appreciative of the support given by teacher, Saad Habib. Well done to the students and Saad!

Student Free Day - AR17
Friday will be our annual student free Mount Gambier Show Day. Thursday evening and Friday staff will be involved in AR17 Staff Conference Program.

This conference is a significant milestone in our learning as a Catholic learning community. Inspired by the provocation from our Instructional Rounds reflections in 2015 “Is learning a mutual endeavour? Do both teachers and students learn from each other? Do students initiate their learning challenges?”, this conference is testimony to the staff’s commitment to reflect on their craft as Catholic educators, who value the innate competency of each child, and aspire to enabling each and every learner at Tenison Woods College to shine.

The conference is also a palpable expression of the staff’s commitment to the theme this year of “stepping up to the potential of one” and moving into spaces of deep reflection, critique and collaboration with all the humility, frailty and wonderful communal successes they bring.

I offer sincere thanks to all staff for their research efforts so far, and to our supportive CESA colleagues and talented consultants who have supported our journey to this point.  I hope staff enjoy the variety of presentations on offer during the conference and benefit from the rich tapestry of committed endeavour which is the hallmark of our talented staff community.  

South East Deanery Renewal Gathering
Father Dean Marin is inviting all parishioners to the Deanery Renewal Gathering, as the next step of our Deanery on the journey of Renewal.  It will be on Sunday 22 October from 10.00am until 4.00pm at the Naracoorte Parish Centre. Sister Virginia Bourke, RSJ will lead and facilitate the prayerful and reflective gathering.

A $10.00 donation is asked to help cover costs. For details of the transport contact Jennie Sanderson, PPC Chairperson or the parish office in Mount Gambier and in Millicent speak with Liz Smyth, PPC Chairperson or also the parish office.

I join Father Dean in encouraging parishioners to be part of this important gathering and I look forward to the inspiration and encouragement by being together in faith as a whole Deanery.
 

Key dates for the commencement of 2018:
A full list of 2018 key dates will follow soon, but to assist with planning I inform our College community of 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.

God Bless,

David Mezinec | Principal

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