REPRESENTATIVES of Religious Orders, former students, staff and community members of Tenison Woods College recently gathered for a special Celebration of Journey and Legacy.
On Friday April 12, the college hosted a formal opening and blessing of the recent building developments by the Most Reverend Patrick O’Regan DD, Archbishop of Adelaide.
The developments included the Early Learning and Community Centre extension, MacKillop Reception Community Centre, MacKillop Junior School Building and Gilap Wanga, the Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi Learning Community which included the Poplars Inclusion Unit.
Additionally, Boandik elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr offered a Welcome to Country on the day to commence the celebrations.
Tenison Woods College principal David Mezinec said as the college grew, they had collaboratively decided to acknowledge the founders in the sub-school communities and zones of the school.
“The Early Learning and Community Centre introduces our children to the founders by naming the studios for
our three-year-old children as Woods and Champagnat, while the Stepping Stones (Kindy) rooms are
known as the MacKillop and McAuley studios,” Mr Mezinec said.
Catholic Education South Australia executive director Dr Neil McGoran spoke at the event and offered thanks to all those who contributed to the recent developments, while at the same time “keeping a focus on what really matters – the students’ learning and formation, and the relentless
care for them.”
Two hundred guests including members of the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Commissioners of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, civic leaders, former principals, deputy principals, business managers, staff members, committed former school community members and parishioners celebrated with gratitude the shoulders on which the school stand and celebrated the College’s plans for the future.
Guests also had an opportunity to tour the College and view artwork that captures our four founders.
The College’s Artist in Residence and long serving staff member, Kelly Egan, depicted the College’s founders in a contemporary and thought-provoking way.
Mr Mezinec said the “wonderful” pieces of art were hung in various areas of the college to help celebrate the legacy of the founders and the evolution of the school itself.
