Welcome

Tenison Woods College is a dynamic Early Learning to Year 12 Co-educational Catholic College located in Mount Gambier, South Australia.

Consisting of approximately 1750 students, the size of the College ensures that we can offer students access to an exciting array of educational and vocational programs to enable each student to meet their needs and aspirations.

Our College is made up of smaller communities within communities, that ensure each learner finds their place and pathway, so that they shine. The classroom community is supported by the year level community which in turn is nourished by the sub-school community. The five sub-schools of the ELCC, MacKillop Junior School, Champagnat Middle School, Woods Senior School and Poplars Inclusive Education Unit make up the larger whole College community. 

The Tenison Woods College motto, ‘Let Your Light Shine’, lies at the heart of our curriculum and pastoral care programs. Based on the Mercy and Marist charisms of providing every child with the opportunity to thrive, the College is proud of its heritage and its commitment to supporting the pastoral care and well-being of all students.

The College is purpose built and prepares students for life in the 21st Century. With the development of new College programs comes advanced use of technology, contemporary facilities, innovative resources, and engaging learning opportunities. All of these benefits enhance your child’s experiences and achievements and improve their vocational and career options to pave the way for their exciting future. 

Tenison Woods College is renowned as an enterprising Catholic School providing excellence in education for all students. Our focus on educating all students to achieve their personal best in academic, spiritual, social and sporting achievements, enables the College to continue to deliver above average results in state and national assessments and Year 12 scores.

Tenison Woods College was formed in 2001 following the merging of St Paul’s School (primary) and Tenison College (secondary). Both of these schools had proud reputations, with an excellent record of student achievement and care for individuals. The College is named in honour of the pioneering Priest, Scientist, Orator and Researcher, Father Julian Tenison Woods, whose shared vision with Mother Mary MacKillop laid the foundations for the Catholic education system in this state and across the nation.

Our deliberate whole school strategy and master plan is greeting the future for families in the South East of South Australia with confidence, innovation and a deep care for creation. 

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent/carer or student. We hope this website will assist you by providing relevant information about the benefits of education at Tenison Woods College. We look forward to sharing our vision and preferred future with your and your family. 

Vision

The Tenison Woods College community lets its light shine for the world through faith and action.

Mission

To provide a welcoming and inclusive Catholic education and care for all in our community, following Christ as our Light in the spirit of our founders.

Our commitment

Tenison Woods College is a vibrant, transformative and pastoral learning community that:

• Values the gifts and talents of each person and facilitates achievement in the spiritual, academic, social, personal and cultural aspects of life.
• Invites and encourages the development of faith bearing witness to God’s presence in the world through our call to action.
• Inspires positive relationships that are life giving, collaborative and respect the dignity of each person created in the image and likeness of God.
• Nurtures a sense of wonder, hope and peace grounded in the relationships we have with self, others, God and creation.
• Fosters the understanding that we are integral parts of a greater creation called to respond with loving action and relationships.
• Delivers excellence and innovation in teaching practices which inspire a love of lifelong learning.

Motto

'Let Your Light Shine'.