Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Well, what a term it has been. When I look back on the events and happenings of our school this term, I am amazed at the sheer volume of opportunities our children, staff and families have to be involved in our school. We are certainly very blessed.
Staffing Announcement
As you may be aware, Sheena Pattinson has been in the Acting APRIM role this year while we work through the process of appointing a permanent APRIM. The process involved Father Long Hai, David Wylie (Board Chairperson), Marcia Burgess (CESA rep), and myself shortlisting applicants and interviewing a number of candidates. It was extremely pleasing to see the large number of applications for this significant position. After a process of discernment and approval from the Archbishop, it was fantastic to announce this week that Sheena Pattinson has been successful in winning the permanent APRIM position at Tenison Woods Catholic School. CONGRATULATIONS.
Claire Little’s appointment as Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning has been extended for a further tenure. Claire’s work has been critical in ensuring the teaching and learning programs and interventions support our students as flourishing young people. Together with Sheena and Claire, it is great to have our Leadership team consistent for the foreseeable future.
Throughout Term 3, the Leadership Team has been busily working to confirm staffing for 2025. With the ongoing increase in overall classes and some special announcements, we have been able to confirm the following staff have been employed either permanently or on a contract for 2025. Congratulations to:
Amelia Scarfo
Carisa Spencely
Chloe Bridgwood
Ethan Marchioro
Rhys Johnston
Valleena Machado – Mid Year Reception Teacher 2025
Last week, Mrs Tiana Henderson announced that she is expecting her first child in the new year. This is wonderful news for Tiana and her family. We look forward to Tiana finishing out the year with the Yr 5/6 class before taking 2025 off.
Congratulations must be extended to other staff members who have been successful in winning leadership and teaching positions for 2025 and beyond. They are all very deserving.
Throughout Term 4, we will work to finalise class and teacher structures with the Meet the Teacher morning being held in Week 9.
Dance Aerobics – Congratulations
As I am sure you have all seen, it was a fantastic result for our school Dance Aerobics team at the recent National Championships held in Adelaide last month. With Katie’s expert coaching and a huge amount of commitment and effort, it was great to see the children finish in 1st Place for their category.
To bring home the National Championships is a huge accomplishment, congratulations to all involved.
Sacramental Program
It was lovely to see 7 children from our school community celebrate Confirmation and Holy Communion this past fortnight. With the ceremony led by Father Dean Marin and Father Long Hai, it was a special moment for the children and their families to be fully initiated into the Church. Thank you to the Father Long Hai, the Parish Sacramental Team, APRIMS Sheena and Leah and the children’s families for preparing the children so well.
Staff Reflection Day
On the last day of Term 3, we will be holding our annual Staff Reflection Day. The staff will be working with Orana Disability Services to support the beautification of their Ridleyton site. Our staff will work with Orana staff and clients to undertake a ‘Backyard Blitz’ style project, helping to bring their site to life in a collaborative and authentic way, designed to support their many clients and programs.
In supporting the faith formation of our staff, Sheena has also engaged the professional services of Sister Mary-Anne, a Josephite Sister. She is somewhat of an expert on Father Julian Tenison Woods and has recently completed a PhD dissertation on him. She will lead the staff in getting to know Fr Tenison Woods better and explore his personality by sharing narratives based on his letters, newspaper articles and books. She will also talk about the importance Fr Tenison Woods placed on mission and outreach. This link is important, as it bridges the gap between theory and action. As a catholic community, we are called to action. This initiative is a wonderful representation of this action.
Wellbeing
R U OK?
This week is R U OK? Day. As a school deeply committed to the well-being of all, this day has a special place in our work.
“Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK?
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow the conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.”
Its never too late to ask the simple question of Are You Ok? I encourage all of us to check out the resources online at http://www.ruok.org.au
Parent Workshops
Coming up next term we have two very important wellbeing parent workshops that are being hosted for FREE by TWCS.
The first if Courtney Quigley leading a 3 week program from Dr Lea Waters – THE STRENGTH SWITCH.
The second is through our connection with THE WELLBEING DISTILLERY. David Bott will be in person presenting his brand new program based on the book - THE ANXIOUS GENERATION. This hour-long presentation is not just for parents of teenagers, it’s for ALL parents.
Please keep an eye out for Registration Details.
As we head into our Term 3 Break, I encourage all in our community to take advantage of the spring weather and get out to explore our surroundings. In reading the book, ‘Anxious Generation’ the author highlights how technology use creates an ‘opportunity lost’ effect, where we are consumed by the use of technology at the expense of real-life connections. Head out and chat with someone!
God bless,
Ben
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