TWCS Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 Happy St Joseph’s Day -19^th of March 2024 

In 1866, a young 24-year old Mary Mackillop together with her Parish Priest Father Julian Tenison Woods began an order of sisters who were to be very different in the sense that instead of being behind the walls of a convent, they were to live amongst people, especially the poor, in groups of 3 or 4, own nothing, ask for donations and do what they could to help others.  

Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods chose the saint of St Joseph to be the patron saint for this order due to the understanding that Joseph, as the chosen earthly father of Jesus, was a humble man. In fact, the scripture they chose to base their order and work was from Micah 6:8 “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly”. 

The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart is an order based on ‘Humility’ and ‘Service’. But what is humility?  

Humility is not being a door mat, but is an expression of truth, a truth of who we are to enable us to acknowledge our strengths and our weakness. To use our strength to help others and seek help when we need others.  

Humility is being down to earth and be aware that without humility we could elbow people aside.  

Humility is boldness and courage.  

Humility allows inner authority of a person to be expressed.  

Humility is needed to have courage and reveal compassionate God.

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the events that have taken place in our school community as we look forward to the celebration of Holy Week and Easter.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the success of our community events. The Carnevale was a vibrant celebration of our diverse community, filled with joy and laughter. The racing of the Pizza Delivery Vans was an absolute highlight. The Ash Wednesday mass was a wonderful celebration with the parish as a meaningful start to the Lenten season, reminding us of the importance of repentance.

Our Meet the Teacher Evening was a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to connect and discuss the progress of our students. The Welcome BBQ was a delightful event organised by the P&F committee, that brought our school community together in a spirit of friendship and connection.

The Wellbeing Day was a significant event that emphasized the importance of mental and physical health. The activities were engaging and educational, and it was heartening to see our students participate with such enthusiasm. The highlight of the day was the remarkable creations for the Egg Drop!

The AGM was yet another example of the commitment of our families in being an active part in our school community. Thank you to our 2024 School Board Members:

• Father Long Hai
• Ben Catalano
• Claire Little
• Kelly Sergi
• Dave Wylie
• Gemma Smyth
• Catherine Rowe
• Regan Marshall
• Kirsty Miller
• Reena Parmar
• Stuart Rainsford
• Richard Sellars

In the past fortnight we have also had both NAPLAN and our Junior Primary Swim Week. The NAPLAN assessments that our students undertook was approached with diligence and determination, and we are proud of their efforts. Each child completed assessments in Writing, Reading Comprehension, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. The results will provide valuable insights into our students’ learning progress and help us improve our teaching strategies.

The Junior Primary Swimming Week at Immanuel College was another highlight of the term. Our youngest students demonstrated great excitement and resilience as they spent the last 4 days at the pool. It was wonderful to see them enjoy the water and improve their swimming skills.

We also celebrated with 7 children from TWCS, the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Coordinated by the Parish and Father Long Hai, the children and their families have spent a lot of Term 1 preparing for this important Sacrament. They will later prepare for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion.

As we move towards Holy Week, we are reminded of the journey that Jesus took for us. The week begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This is followed by the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the Crucifixion on Good Friday, and finally the joyous celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Easter is a time of renewal and rebirth, a time to reflect on our own lives and how we can bring the message of Jesus into our daily actions. It is a time to celebrate the victory of life over death, of love over hate.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all parents, teachers, and students for their continued support and commitment to our school community. May the joy and peace of Easter be with you and your families.

God Bless,

Ben

Principal

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

On Tuesday 19^th March at 6:30pm, 7 students from our school community celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at the St Aloysius Church. There were joined by students from St John Bosco and the Brooklyn Park/Richmond Parish who were also receiving this sacrament for the first time.

These students have spent the last 3 Tuesday evenings, together with their parents, at preparation sessions run by the Sacramental team and Fr Long Hai in the lead up to their First Reconciliation.

Reconciliation, also called ‘Confession’ or the sacrament of Penance, is an opportunity to ask for forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. This is a sacrament that can be received over and over again.

I would like to congratulate the following students on taking this next step on their Sacramental Journey - Elijah Miller, Jack Gosling, Isabella Natale, Alyssia Jucha, Grace Sergi, Charissa Nazareth and Joshua Allik.

These students will now begin to prepare for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion which will be celebrated in September this year.

A special thank you to one of our school parents, Kirsty Miller who made beautifully decorated and individually named biscuits for each child to mark this special occasion.

HOLY WEEK EVENTS AT TENISON WOODS

Next Sunday the 24^{th of} March is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week.  Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year for Christians, marking the final week of Jesus’ life on earth, from His entry into Jerusalem to His crucifixion and resurrection. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and community, inviting us to engage with the profound mysteries of our faith. Our school will honour Holy Week in the following ways.

MONDAY 25th MARCH

Palm Sunday Liturgy

On Monday 25th March at 9am, the students in 4/5DM will be leading a Palm Sunday liturgy/re-enactment for the whole school. This will be held in the outdoor space outside the STEM and Italian rooms.  All parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.

Caritas Carnival

After lunch on the same day, students from all classes will engage in our annual Caritas Carnival. This will begin at approximately 1:50pm and end at 2:50pm, allowing time for pack up/clean up in the last 15 minutes.  Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend if they wish.

In their classes, students have explored the 3 Project Compassion stories of Ronita, Leaia and Memory. They have then worked together to design a fun game, stall or activity which will help our school community gain a better understanding and awareness of their chosen story. Some of the activities/stall on the day are a book swap stall, water relays and water filtration, and making bracelets using recycled fabrics.

Student are encouraged to return their Project Compassion boxes on the day which can be send to the office. Donations to Project Compassion can also be made by scanning this QR code. Students are to wear their school uniform on this day.

WEDNESDAY 27th  MARCH

Last Supper Liturgy/Re-enactment

On Wednesday, all classes will take part in a Last Supper liturgy/re-enactment in their individual classrooms.  During this time, as part of the re-enactment, all students will be given a small cup of apple and blackcurrant juice and a small bread roll.  Please notify your child’s teacher if your child has any allergies. Gluten, wheat, and dairy bread will be available as an alternative. This liturgy will be for students only.

THURSDAY 28th MARCH

Stations of the Cross

On Thursday there will be Stations of the Cross set up in the Church Hall with reflection questions at each station. The Stations of the Cross are a series of 14 pictures portraying events in the Passion of Christ, from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to when his body was placed in the tomb. Each class will be given an opportunity to visit the Church Hall during the day to view and reflect on each of the 14 stations.  Parents/caregivers are welcome to visit this space after school on Thursday to view the Stations of the Cross.

TUESDAY 2nd APRIL

After the Easter long weekend, on Tuesday 2^nd April at 9am the Year 5/6s will be leading a ‘He is Risen’ liturgy for the whole school. Again, this will be held in the outdoor space outside the STEM and Italian rooms.  All parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.

Sheena Pattinson

It's hard to believe that the term is almost over. So many exciting events have happened this term and so many more to come. I am delighted to communicate with you about R-2 Swimming week, NAPLAN and student wellbeing.

R-2 Swimming Week

During this week, our Reception to Year 2 students engaged in a swimming program at Immanuel Pool. This is a highlight of the term for our R-2 students.

The students gain an understanding of safe choices by focusing on safety procedures and symbols at swimming pools. They also explore the body movement of swimming and how physical activity is enjoyable. Our students demonstrate determination, perseverance, zest for learning and bravery, especially those students learning to swim for the first time and those who were in the deep pool.

We extend our gratitude to the numerous volunteers who generously contributed their time and assistance throughout the week.

Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN

It is with immense pride and admiration that we extend our congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students who recently participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Throughout the rigorous four-test assessment process, our students exemplified unwavering focus, determination, and resilience. Their commitment to showcasing their skills and knowledge despite any challenges they faced, including internet connectivity issues experienced by some, is truly commendable. We extend our sincerest appreciation to our dedicated classroom teachers, Chloe, Gina, Heather, Ethan, Tiana, Sheena, and David, for their efforts in preparing our students for the assessments and coordinating the logistics of the testing process. Their dedication to providing our students with the tools, resources, and support necessary to excel is instrumental in ensuring student success.

Student Wellbeing

Throughout week 6, all students from Reception to Year 6 took part in the Catholic Education SA Classroom Pulse Check-In. This initiative occurs once per term and serves as a Wellbeing Initiative designed to assess students' current feelings about their school experiences. For families new to our school, this Check-In provides an opportunity to participate in this process. The data collected is used by school leadership and teachers to plan for and enhance wellbeing and relationships within the school community.

Please check out the link below for more details about the Classroom Pulse Check In. It contains some important information, example questions, and parent Q&A.

https://www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/news/wellbeing-initiative

If you have any further questions, you can direct these to your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance or Tiana Henderson (our Wellbeing Coordinator) or myself.

At Tenison Woods Catholic School, the wellbeing of our students is always a top priority. As we navigate the school year, we remain committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. May we all always reflect in our words and actions the word of Mary MacKillop, “In all things love”. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's well-being, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Claire Little

In 3/4 M, the students spent the first few weeks of this term reconnecting with each other, meeting new classmates and developing relationships with their teachers. As a class, we established some classroom expectations to ensure a supportive and engaging working environment.

The highlight for this Term has been exploring the artwork of Vincent Van Gough. Many students remembered and attended the exhibition in Adelaide and were therefore able to connect their learning to previous experiences. After having reflected on his artwork and technique, the students recreated their own version of Starry Night and Sunflowers. They experimented with mixing different paints to create a desired colour, which was then incorporated into their painting.

In English, we have engaged in Persuasive and Narratives with a particular focus on the literary devices authors expertly use in these texts to engage and captivate the audience. Students are able to use the Success Criteria to ensure they have included everything that is expected of them. They also understand how feedback supports them in being successful learners and have taken on feedback to further improve their writing.

In Numeracy, we have been learning about place value, addition and subtraction. Students have been setting personal goals and work towards achieving them. 

Throughout this term and next term, we will continue to focus on developing a growth mindset. It has been pleasing to see students develop resilience, set goals and use some learnt strategies when presented with challenges therefore allowing them to be successful learners.

It’s been an exciting and productive term! 

Mrs Margush

The P&F have had a busy start to the year, and it has been our pleasure to have held a couple of events for our wonderful school community in Term 1 of 2024.

Shrove Tuesday at the beginning of each school year is always an event that brings a lot of joy to the children of Tenison Woods & volunteers alike, and this year was no exception. A warm & sunny day on Tuesday 13th February saw our fantastic P&F volunteers cook and serve just over 500 warm pancakes to the happy and hungry children and teachers!  The day before the beginning of Lent is always a day with a festival like atmosphere as the pancakes are served following the beautiful Carnevale parade and other fun activities organised by the talented Signora Larritt. We would like to thank our volunteers Alana Quinn, Genevieve Pelekani, Chris & Lucy Trewin, Rebecca Hein, Bec De Silva, Kirsty Miller and Claire Little for helping make the day one to remember.

On Friday evening of 23^rd February, the P&F hosted our Welcome Event for the beginning of the 2024 school year.  It was wonderful to see so many of our school children, their parents, caregivers & grandparents as well as so many of the school staff, happily socialising together on the oval of the Western Community Centre.  Inside the hall, the children enjoyed a large Dinosaur themed jumping castle / slide that the P&F along with Jump First provided for the evening.  The P&F volunteers cooked a delicious BBQ and sold soft drinks and ice-creams.  With such a big off-site event there are many people to thank.  A special mention goes to our local Baker’s Delight at Kurralta Park as they generously donated loaves of bread to be used on the night and plenty of extra loaves and Hot Cross Buns that we were able to pass onto some of our school families.  The support that Baker’s Delight has provided to our school community is very much appreciated and if you are able, please drop by their store for some delicious bread or buns to support them in return!  Thank you to Peta, our lovely front office lady for volunteering her skills as the first aid officer for the night.  Our BBQ chefs were Craig Griffiths and Dave Marshall, who did a great job whilst happily chatting! Our servers and salespeople were Kerryn MacDonald, Catherine Rowe, Una & Ryan McBride, Chris & Lucy Trewin and Jo Vandenberg.  Thanks to Sarah Finn for collecting supplies on the day and helping set up. Thanks to Gen Scatena, Anthony Morgan, Nick Finn, Dave Marshall for providing Eskies to use on the night and all who helped to pack up.  And of course, thank you to everyone who came to join us for an enjoyable evening!

Part of the P&F activities is fundraising; a portion of funds raised by the P&F throughout last year have been donated back to the school this term for Shrove Tuesday pancakes and for the Welcome Event, so your support is always appreciated.   New Lego has also been purchased and donated for use in the School Library and Lego Therapy sessions.  Please support our Easter Wine Drive that is currently active, if you are able and thanks to those who ordered in the recent Easter Kyton’s Bakery fundraiser.

The P&F are looking forward to the fun of Sports Days on Friday 12^th April, where we will open the canteen at lunch time and have ice blocks and soft drinks available for cash and card sales.

We are also pleased to announce our Mother’s Day celebration for Friday 10^th May 8am to 8:45am.  Please save the date for this special morning at school, with more details to follow soon.

On behalf of the P&F executive, we wish you a wonderful and safe Easter long weekend at the end of March.  You are welcome to join us in Term 2 for the P&F meeting on Wednesday 15^th May 2024.

Warm Regards

Jane O’Donoghue & Chris Trewin