Mount Gambier’s Tenison Woods College was last week recognised at the inaugural Catholic Education Awards.
In a first for Catholic Education South Australia – 12 educators were recognised at the awards, celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week from May 9 to 15, to recognise outstanding achievements and contributions by staff and volunteers across South Australia’s 103 Catholic schools.
Tenison received an “Innovative Program” award for its Project Recology & SEED Framework.
The ecological program is a student led initiative that is on track to see the school achieve zero waste by 2025 and zero reliance on the energy grid by 2030.
Catholic Education SA deputy director John Mula was full of praise for the award recipients.
“Every single one of these recipients has gone above and beyond.
“They are a wonderful example of the unwavering commitment to Catholic education shown by staff and volunteers in our 103 school communities across the state,” he said.
“Our awardees demonstrate the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved when people are passionate about teaching and learning.
“At Catholic Education South Australia we really care about our students – we’re keen to see every young person in our schools thrive.
“These awards shine a light on the incredible lengths our staff and volunteers will go to support the learning and wellbeing of our students.”
College principal David Mezinec said the recognition acknowledged the commitment of the whole college community.
“It is a credit all our students, staff and parents who know that a commitment to ecological conversion and sustainability, and ultimately caring for the planet is an expression of our Catholic identity; to stand with the poorest in our society, walking tenderly and living justly for the benefit of our global human family,” he said.
Early Years to Year 12 Sustainability coordinator Tom Linnell also said it was an honour to be recognised for the college’s “investment into the space of ecology and sustainability over the last five years”.
“We were extremely proud of the two exceptional sustainability middle school student leaders, Colby Ind and Louise Stanley, who were in attendance and represented the college as well as our programs with passion and knowledge,” he said.
