Positive education in practice at Tenison Woods Catholic School

Three children in school uniforms standing by a brick wall, smiling and holding onto it together.
For the past eight years, student and community wellbeing have been central to Tenison Woods Catholic School.

As a leader in wellbeing, the school drives initiatives across Catholic Education SA, shaping a brighter future for students.

Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods, our collaborative school community— including students, staff, and parents—works to amplify wellbeing and learning outcomes.

A young student climbs a colorful rock wall, reaching for the next hold with determination.

We believe every young person should flourish, thrive, and achieve. This happens when social-emotional, mental, and physical development is valued equally with academic growth. Research shows wellbeing and learning are deeply connected—strong wellbeing boosts academic achievement, and achievement enhances wellbeing.

Student wellbeing is embedded in everything we do. It’s part of our culture and strengthened by our newly released Strategic Plan in Wellbeing. As a Positive Education school, we draw on neuroscience, education, and positive psychology to equip children with skills to thrive.

We believe flourishing means feeling good by doing good, and we empower students to build resilience, grit, and success through use of their character strengths.

Our structured wellbeing curriculum takes a sequential approach, providing children with essential life skills.

Using resources like Grow Your Mind and The Wellbeing Distillery, we ensure wellbeing education is engaging and effective. Junior Primary students participate in the Grow Your Mind program, while Upper Primary students will explore Here’s A Thought (HAT) in 2025. These programs focus on resilience, belonging, emotional regulation, relationships, growth mindset, and character strengths. We take a proactive approach, ensuring children have the tools to flourish when faced with challenges. Our commitment to wellbeing includes:

  • Termly Wellbeing Days – Celebrating the importance of challenge
  • Trauma-informed practices in all classrooms
  • Parent Education Workshops on Positive Education and Parenting
  • Mental Health First Aid certification for staff
  • Tier 2 and 3 Wellbeing Intervention programs
  • Yoga and Mindfulness in classrooms

 

Living our charism, we are inspired by Jesus as a community of learners committed to quality outcomes and authentic relationships, guided by In omnibus caritas—In all things, Love.

Please join us for our next Principal Tour.

Visit Tenison Woods Catholic School at 68 Brooker Terrace, Richmond or twcs.catholic.edu.au

 

 

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