2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope
A Jubilee year is a special year that occurs in the Catholic Church every 25 years. It is a unique time where Catholics are given a special opportunity to get closer to God.
Pope Francis declared that 2025 is the ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’. This year we are invited into a deeper relationship with God, with each other and with the world around us.
The 2025 Jubilee Year is a time for renewal, reflection, and spiritual growth. It gives us a chance to rediscover God’s love, reconcile with others, and contribute to building a more just and merciful world.
Through pilgrimages, reconciliation, prayer, and acts of charity, the Jubilee invites us to grow spiritually and embrace our roles as peacemakers and witnesses to Christ’s love.
The Jubilee 2025 logo shows four figures, representing all of humanity, coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other to show the solidarity and fraternity which should unite all peoples. The figure at the front is holding onto the cross. It is not only the sign of the faith which this lead figure embraces, but also of hope, which can never be abandoned, because we are always in need of hope, especially in our moments of greatest need.
“During the Holy Year, may the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all!”
Pope Francis
Last Friday we gathered as a whole school community in the St Aloysius Church for our Beginning of Year Mass. It was wonderful to be able to come together and welcome in a new year of learning and welcome all those who are new to our school.
There were many students involved in the mass in a variety of different ways including; helping to set up the prayer space, serving as altar servers, readers, and being a part of the Gospel and Offertory procession.
Father Long Hai praised the students for the reverence they showed during the Mass and for the wonderful way in which they joined in with the responses throughout the Mass. He also commented on their beautiful singing.
A reminder that there will be a Sacramental Information Session at 6:30pm on Tuesday 18th February 2025 at St John Bosco Church Hall section “A”, 17 Lipsett Terrace, Brooklyn Park.
If your child is currently in Years 4, 5 or 6, has been baptised Catholic, and you would like them to continue their sacramental journey and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion this year, please come along to the information session to find out more.
A letter with additional information as well as the Sacramental Program registration form has been posted to Audiri.
Welcome to the 2025 school year. It has been great to hear all about holiday adventures from the students. I look forward to the year ahead and working in collaboration with families in the Tenison Woods Community.
This year we have two main focuses regarding our teaching and learning, these are in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Our dedicated staff completed professional learning throughout the January school holidays.
Corey, Sophie, Sarah and Ethan completed a five day course by the Dyslexia Orton-Gillingham Institute, Basic Training Literacy. The course provided instruction on implementing a structure multisensory approach to reading. This is based on the understanding of the science of reading and the five key elements that are required to achieve this, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.
Erin, Carisa, Gina, Rhys and Amelia completed a two day course by the Dyslexia Orton-Gillingham Institute, Multisensory Maths Training. The course provided instruction on implementing a structure multisensory approach to mathematics. This is based on the understanding of our number system is based on the number ten. It provides strategies for helping students with basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), problem solving, time/money and fractions. I am looking forward to this approach being used in the classroom and how it will support our students understanding in mathematics.
Congratulations to Erin, Carisa, Gina, Rhys, Amelia, Corey, Sophie, Sarah and Ethan on completing the training.
During week 5 and 6 we will hold Personalised Plans for Learning (PPL’s) meetings with families and teachers for students who required additional support for their learning. These meetings are always positive and relational, with both parents and staff working towards the best learning outcomes for your child. An email from Peta will be sent out to families to book in for meetings.
During Week 7 and 8 our year 3 and 5 students participated in NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school. The annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of our schools assessment process. More information will be sent home to families in the following weeks.
Our Term 1 Keeping safe Child Protection focus is ‘The right to be safe’. Throughout the term students will engage in age-appropriate lessons through the Health Curriculum to develop an understanding of this topic. A letter was sent home this week with further information.
At our school, we deeply value family time and recognise its essential role in the well-being of both students and their families. With this in mind, we strive to keep homework to a manageable amount, ensuring that students have ample opportunity to spend quality time together. In support of developing essential literacy and numeracy skills, we encourage engaging activities like board games and cooking. These enjoyable, hands-on experiences not only promote learning in a fun and interactive way but also offer valuable opportunities to practice important skills in everyday, real-world contexts. Homework is designed to complement the classroom learning. We strongly believe homework should not be stressful for the child if your child experiences any difficulties please contact their classroom teacher.
Homework guide
Reception: Sound practice and reading
Year 1 and year 2: Reading
Year 3: Reading, spelling, times tables and optional activities (up to 30 minutes)
Year 4: Reading, spelling, times tables and optional activities (30 minutes)
Year 5 and year 6: Reading, times tables and completing unfinished set tasks (30-40 minutes)
Throughout the year as we work in partnership to support the children to flourish and grow, please always know I am available for you to speak with.
Kind regards,
Claire Little
Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning
Welcome Back
At Tenison Woods Catholic school we are called to be….
Welcome back to Tenison Woods to start what I am sure will be a year full of fun, laughs, learning, challenges and special moments. It has been lovely to see everyone this past week as the children move from nervous energy to excitement and parents are able to move back in to those ‘routines’ that we so dearly need!
We start 2025 with an ever growing community, with 268 children starting the school year, giving us 11 classes across Reception to Year 6. In Term 3, we will be welcoming an additional 35 children making up 2 additional Mid Year Reception classes. Since 2022, we have also welcomed 50 children in Years 2-6. As we continue to provide an excellent educational setting and equally as important a community dedicated to the wellbeing of all, all the time.
This year at Tenison Woods school, we will have a whole school theme that will be referred to throughout the year. The theme for 2025 is ‘Builders of Hope’. Teachers will spend time with their students breaking open this theme and what it means. Some of the questions that will be explored may include;
We encourage you to talk to your students about this theme and make connections between home and school about how we can all be ‘Builders of Hope’ this year, and beyond.
We welcome all of our Reception children who have moved from our Little Wonders Transition program to BIG school. Along with our Receptions, we also have a number of new children and their families starting with us in other year levels. I would like to extend a warm TWCS welcome to:
Lewis Frost
Emma and Yani Kolonis
Eadie and Charlie March
Immanuel Matthew
Lilla Schumacher
Olivia Sparnon
Renee Stolz
Ivy Taylor
We have also been fortunate to welcome a number of new staff to the team. I would like to formally welcome the following staff:
Skye Llewellyn (Reception)
Corey Carlaw (Yr 1/2)
Sophie Hurley (Yr 5/6)
Sarah Watkins (Technologies)
Emma Freer (ESO)
Misty McGuire (Front Office Admin)
As we continue to ensure our facilities are maintained and meet the educational and wellbeing needs of all children in our community, it is exciting to say that our Building Project is now currently at tender with a builder soon to be appointed.
The building project will commence towards the end of Term 1, with the new Junior Primary building being the first stage to be completed. Once this has been completed, the builders will move their attention to creating a new Front Office entrance / welcome plaza along with a new administration block. To see more details regarding the design, head to our school website.
It is becoming something I feel like I am saying all the time, but we have a busy Term 1. I ask you to please check the school calendar on the Audiri App to make sure you have synced your calendars so you don’t miss anything. Here are just a few for the start of the term.
Week 3
Getting to know your child conversations
Wednesday evening – P&F Meeting – all welcomed
Week 4
Friday - Assembly
Friday evening - P&F Welcome event
Week 5
Wednesday – AGM
Week 6
Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday – Ash Wednesday
Friday – Pupil Free Day (OSHC available)
Week 7
Year 4 Camp
Wednesday - P&F Meeting
NAPLAN
Week 8
Friday – Assembly and Wellbeing Day
As we start a new year, I am just wanting to remind everyone of a few things in regards to Pick up and Drop offs. We have 2 collection points – The Main Carpark off Bickford Tce and the Rear Gate on Redin St. Gates do not open until 8:20am – Please ensure children are not left at the gate unsupervised. If you need to leave before the gate opens, OSHC is available from 7am.
The Carpark has a 2-min time limit when waiting for children. Staff will ask drivers to move on if their child is not ready.
Please DO NOT PARK ACROSS DRIVEWAYS. We have some wonderful neighbours who understand living near a school has its busy times. However, it is illegal to park across a driveway.
Council employees regularly attend our streets issuing fines for drivers who are not following the law.
Finally, on behalf of all the staff at TWCS, I thank you for your ongoing partnership with us in supporting your children and our community. If you have any questions that pop up throughout the year, my door is always open and I really appreciate the opportunity to connect with our families.
Go well and God Bless
Ben
On Nov 1st our community celebrated the Official Opening of our Learning Centre and the 25th birthday of Tension Woods Catholic school.
1997 saw the amalgamation of St Joseph’s and Kilmara Catholic Schools on the Richmond site. Over the past years the space has changed with new buildings, playgrounds, increased enrolments and a staff now of 28.
With special guests including Archbishop Patrick, Fr Long Hai, past staff and school board members, the windy and wet day could not dampen the enthusiasm and singing of the children. We thank Paula, Dee and Peta for their planning along with Kirsty Miller and Jess Rainsford for the catering support. We thank those that have walked the journey with us and we look forward to what the future holds for everyone.
“I know the plans I have in mind for you, plans of peace, reserving a future full of hope for you.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Congratulations to Sarah Byrne and Heather Docherty who have been awarded by the Department of Education for achieving Lead Teacher status by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation recognises and rewards highly innovative and exemplary expert teachers who routinely work independently and collaboratively to improve their practice and the practice of colleagues.
An award ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre on June 3 celebrated over 50 teachers from Catholic Education, Department of Education and the Independent sector who have successfully achieved certification during the last 12 months or renewed their certification after 5 years.
The Registrar of the Teachers Registration Board of SA, Leonie Paulson, hosted the ceremony and the Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education presented the certificates while acknowledging the commitment of certified teachers to supporting their students, their colleagues and their own development.
Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers has three purposes:
recognising and promoting quality teaching
providing an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their practice
providing a reliable indication of quality teaching that can be used to identify, recognise and/or reward Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers.
Achieving this level of certification is a rigorous process, requiring the teachers involved to reflect on their practice and show evidence collected over the previous five years of their impact on colleagues and students across the 7 standards and 37 descriptors of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. These descriptors include knowing their students and how they learn, the content and how to teach it, and creating and maintaining supportive and safe learning environments, amongst others.
“Nationally certified teachers are highly regarded by their colleagues and are seen as teachers who achieve great outcomes for their student's learning and wellbeing,” says John Mula OAM, Deputy Director, Catholic Education South Australia.
“They demonstrate the values of the Catholic ethos and contribute positively and respectively to their school communities and more broadly to Catholic Education South Australia.”
Congratulations to the 2022 cohort of Lead & Highly Accomplished Teachers!
Thank you to Naomi Ali our music teacher and all the staff and students for all the hard work and support.
Congratulations to our 2021 House Leaders. our school community gathered to listen to the Year 6 students present their speeches for voting of House Leader.
Votes are in and we congratulate:
Caitlin and Archie as MacKillop House Leaders
Lucy and Antonio as Penola House Leaders
Isaac and Riley as Tenison House Leaders
Nathaniel and Luka as Aloysius House Leaders
Well done to all the Year 6 students for their efforts and we look forward to the students leading their Houses throughout the year.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 4 year 6 students, Ruby, Olivia, Amiel and Rose have produced their own unique visual interpretations of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Full story is available on The Southern Cross website.
Today we welcomed Fr Philip Marshall and Bruno Vieceli to announce the unprecedented move, that the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) will reduce school fees at every Catholic parish primary school in the state in 2021.
The article is available on the CESA Website and in The Southern Cross Newspaper
National Reconciliation Week started in 1993 as a week of prayer for Reconciliation. Religious communities worked together to pray for reconciliation between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.
At TWCS, we would like to continue this tradition.
We work towards reconciliation by:
1. Learning more about each other and about each other's cultures.
2. Working together as Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.
Kumangaka, Mukapainga, Tampinga
Together, Remember, Recognise
Tenison Woods Catholic School warmly welcomes our new Archbishop Patrick O’Regan to Adelaide.
May the Holy Spirit guide you in your leadership as you meet the wonderful people of Adelaide and enjoy what our state has to offer.
We also extend an invitation for you to visit our school. An opportunity to see how the guidance of St Mary MacKillop and influence of Fr Julian Tenison Woods have created a loving and innovative school community.
Visit our school Facebook page for a welcome message from our community.
Benvenuti!
It is with great appreciation that we welcome the announcement of our new Archbishop Partick O'Regan. Pope Francis appointed Bishop O'Regan, currently Bishop of the Diocese in Sale Victoria as the 12th Archbishop of Adelaide.
Bishop O'Regan was born in Bathurst in 1958 and educated at St Joseph's Primary School in Perthville. He then moved to St Stanislaus' College in Bathurst.
He was ordained a priest in 1983 and then Bishop of Sale in December 2014.
Bishop O'Regan said last night's announcement came on a special day:
"As someone who has a deep Josephite spirituality, it feels quite fitting - even providential - that Pope Francis has chosen St Joseph's Feast Day, to call me to this new mission."
Tenison Woods Catholic School also recognises and thanks Bishop Greg O'Kelly for his leadership and generosity while serving as both Bishop of Port Pirie and Apostolic Administrator of Adelaide.
A date for Bishop O'Regan's arrival is still to be decided.
