Dear Parents, Friends and Caregivers,
The last few weeks seem to have flown by and as I reflect on the events that have taken place, it is easy to understand why.
Two weeks ago we had four year ten students from Christian Brother's College work in our R/1 and Year 2 classes as part of their Christian Service Living program of study. I know the teachers appreciated them engaging with the younger students in each class and I am certain that the young men left with an appreciation of the work our early years teachers do on a daily basis.
In weeks 7 and 8 on Wednesday mornings, our new Reception students joined us for their transition visits and spent time getting to know their classmates and teachers for next year. It is exciting to see so many happy new faces and we look forward to them joining the school community in the new year.
A recent highlight for our whole school community was the Carols Night held on Friday 30th November. Thank you to all the families and friends who came to support the night. A special thank you to our P&F for organising the BBQ, to Sarah Byrne and all the staff for coordinating and preparing the evening and thank you to our performers – the students of Tenison Woods Catholic School who did a wonderful job.
At our Assembly last week we acknowledged the students who participated in extra curricula sports activities throughout the year. Sincere thanks to the parent coaches for giving of their time and effort to support the students who participate in these activities. We also presented the students with their Premier's Reading Challenge medals. Congratulations to all the students as this year 100% of students received a medal.
On Thursday last week the students met with their 2019 class teacher and classmates. It was great to see the buzz of excitement as the children spent time familiarising themselves with their new classes.
Tenison Woods Catholic School continues to be a popular choice for families in both the local area and beyond and it was established at our School Board meeting earlier this term that we will continue to run 7 classes next year, which is a fantastic outcome as we become a Reception to Year 6 school.
The class structure for 2019 is as follows:
Reception - Gina Margush
Reception - Nicole Puopolo
Reception/ Year 1 - Kelly Stevens
Year 1/2 - Sarah Byrne
Year 2/3 - Thien Do
Year 3/4 - Tom Atyeo
Year 5/6 - Paula Burns
Semester 2 Student Reports were sent home Tuesday. The report is a summary of your child's learning progress in 2018. I encourage you to take time to talk through the report with your child/ren and use the opportunity to support them to set one or two learning goals for the start of next year.
We acknowledged and thanked all those students who have been an SRC or Green Team member this year at a special meeting on Tuesday. These student leaders, from Reception to Year 7, have represented the views and ideas of their classmates throughout the year and I thank them for all they have contributed during their time in these roles.
The Graduation Dinner was held last Thursday evening and was a great night to celebrate the achievements of all our Year 6 and 7 students. This week we formally farewelled the Year 6 and 7 students at our Graduation Mass. At the conclusion of the Mass, we announced the recipients of the 'Capturing the Spirit' awards. The Capturing the Spirit awards are presented to graduating students who throughout their time at Tenison Woods have reflected the values and characteristics of not only this school but the Josephite traditions, the spirit of Father Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary of the Cross Mary MacKillop. This year there were four recipients, two year 6 students and two year 7 students. These awards are voted on by all staff and is a reflection of the students entire educational journey at Tenison Woods Catholic School. Congratulations to Aiden Carberry, Ruby Loizos, Henry Paech and Lauren Young for being recognised with this award.
At today’s thanksgiving Mass, we announced the ‘Inspiring Excellence Medals’ to 8 well deserved recipients from Reception to year 7. The winning recipients were selected for displaying a commitment to their learning, endeavouring to improve an area of challenge, exhibiting many of the character strengths or espousing a spirituality aligned to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop or Julian Tenison Woods. This is a significant award at Tenison Woods and one of these award recipients is also nominated by staff to receive the Hindmarsh Award (a perpetual shield that was provided to us by our local Member for Hindmarsh in 2015). Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements in 2018:
Reception: Minnie Arentz
Yr 1: Noah Miller
Yr 2: Lulu Arentz
Yr 3: Antonio Acardi
Yr 4: Ruby Miller
Yr 5: Eliza Brice
Yr 6: Jones Sharp
Yr 7: Lily Miller
Hindmarsh Award: Antonio Acardi
Finally, a reminder that students return to school on Wednesday 30th January 2019.
It has been a pleasure working with the Tenison Woods Catholic School community this past term and I have valued the opportunity to work in partnership with you to ensure that the students experience a faith filled community with a commitment to inspire, innovate and excel.
I wish you a Christmas full of hope, joy and peace and every blessing for the new year.
John Low
Acting Principal
