Legacy  

Tenison Woods College's namesake, Father Julian Tenison Woods was a well-respected geologist, botanist, explorer and educator. Fr Julian understood the deep links that environment, faith and education played within one another. His attentiveness to God’s creative presence in the world around him led Fr Julian to understand the interconnectedness of all living things. 

Tenison Woods College has a deep and long-term commitment to global sustainability and caring for Boandik Country. Through the learning that takes place in the classroom and the experiences provided to students, we understand the important role the entire community plays in a sustainable future. We believe that it is only through being connected to Country and connected to our local and global community that a sustainable future can be ensured.   

We are committed to partnering with Boandik Elders as well as local and national organisations to further our impact and ultimately, improve the world our young people will inherit. Our commitment to ecological conversion and sustainability is also an expression of our Catholic identity; to stand with the poorest in our society, walking tenderly and living justly for the benefit of our human family.  

Evolution 

In 2018, we identified six pillars upon which the strategy in our College community is based. Each year, we strive to make an impact in these spaces, based on the needs of the community and the world around us. In 2019, we established the Project Recology Centre, an on-site location that enables us to develop innovative ways to recycle and upcycle materials. The aim was to teach students about the concept of ‘circular economy’, where materials remain in use for as long as possible, lessening the impacts of landfill. Since it’s commencement, Project Recology has allowed Tenison Woods College to forge a strong pathway toward eliminating plastic and organic waste within the college and wider community. This commitment drives our students to become ecologically aware citizens, pushing for a sustainable future. 

Impact 

Our devotion to the Earth, highlighted through our sustainable practices and teachings, has resulted in significant waste reduction, curriculum development, and connection to and care for Country.  

Tenison Woods College maintains a stringent waste management process. In addition to the recycling and landfill bins, each play area is allocated an organics bin, as well as every junior school classroom. Each day, these bins are collected and taken to the Project Recology Centre, where the organic waste is converted into a rich soil enhancer, using our biodigester. This soil enhancer is used in many ways throughout the college; agriculture, horticulture and food technology students tending to their gardens, and Poplar’s students selling it as a product in their ‘Pop Shop’. This process allows us to upcycle the majority of organic matter coming on site, ultimately reducing landfill. Importantly, it creates fantastic opportunities for student to learn about, and immerse themselves into, the world of circular economy.  

Upcycle

The Project Recology Centre also teaches students to understand the potential for upcycling plastic materials in new and innovative ways. Our site collaborates with businesses across the community and interstate, taking on plastic waste, generally in the form of plastic bottle tops. Through specialty curriculum opportunities, students are given hands-on experiences in which they learn about the process of upcycling plastic, design items based on the trends or needs of the community, to then make and sell those items. Collaborating with a variety of businesses also enables our students to develop community connections, opening possibilities for careers in sustainable industries. 

Directly contributing to minimising our community’s landfill, through rich opportunities such as these, means that our students are active participants in caring for Country and protecting our biodiversity. 

Care for Country 

A wide variety of experiences are on offer for students to develop their connection to and care for Boandik Country as well as a range of landscapes across the region. Our thriving Outdoor Education program contributes significantly to these opportunities, allowing students to develop a stronger connection with Country and deepen their understanding of sustainable practices.  

Early Learning students begin developing their understanding of caring for our shared home through regular walks on Country. This respect for our land, seas and sky continues to be developed through year levels and classes across the college, as we strive to help form grounded and ecologically minded graduates and future leaders within our community.