This week you would have received communication from the Director of Catholic Education, Dr Neil McGoran, announcing the appointment of Mr Mark Battistella to the position of School Performance Leader at the Catholic Education Office. This is a 'substantive' position for the next four years and means that Mark will not be returning to Tenison Woods. As you would be aware, I have been asked to stay on for the 2021 school year and look forward to continuing our journey together in supporting your children to be the best that they can be. I feel blessed to be a part of this community. I would think that during 2021 the usual process for the appointment of a new principal will be undertaken. This process normally involves a community consultation, advertising the position, interviewing shortlisted applicants and appointing the successful person. We look forward to being able to farewell Mark from our community at some stage during Term 4.
What a great time the children had on Tuesday evening of this week at the School Disco. There are certainly some great dancers amongst our student body. We had a very good attendance and the children seemed to 'beam' with excitement. Thank you for supporting this event. Our DJ, Sara, was from the Footsteps team who have led the dance program throughout this term. It has been somewhat delayed and affected by the Covid pandemic but we got there in the end. The disco was a culmination of the great learning the children have been undertaking in the area of Dance.
Many of our children have been bringing Ooshies to school and have been doing some trading with other children. People around the world have hobbies collecting different items from stamps to spoons to football cards and so on. I can certainly see the fun and positive nature of collecting items and encourage children to take up this type of hobby. However, activities like these can become problematic in schools, where children don't have the full understanding of what is a 'good' swap and what is not, especially with children being of different ages. Teachers have also reported that they have been a distraction to learning for many children. For these reasons I have asked the children to have fun collecting Ooshies, but to do it at home and not bring them to school. I thank you for your support with this matter.
This week we have had the Dental Van(s) visit our school to check on the health and hygiene of teeth and gums in our students. It is great to have this service available to our school community.
Many of our students have been preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and will celebrate the sacrament on Thursday evening of this week. Let us keep Lulu, Minnie, Evelyn, Noah, Xavier and their families in our prayers at this very special time.
We had planned for our annual Caritas Carnival for this Friday. However the forecast is fairly dismal and hence we have postponed this event until Week 1 of Term 4.
There are plenty of other events occurring next term.
We also have student teachers commence for a three week placement.
Add to these the usual Woods Week, new Reception Transition visits, Carols Evening/Picnic and the completion of the new Nature Play area, it promises to be a great term. I am sure there will be a few other activities or surprises as well.
I would like to thank you for the contribution you and your family have made to Tenison Woods Catholic School during Term 3 and look forward to working with you again next term. I would also like to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication each day in the various roles that they carry out. Enjoy the holiday break, especially if you are able to get away within South Australia and support the local economy.
Kind Regards
Peter Mercer
Principal
