Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we begin the second half of the year, I would like to welcome everyone back to this new term. We welcome those students, their parents and staff members who are joining our community for the first time. Katee Mitchell returns after recovering from knee surgery, Helen Wilken and Angela Lea will be taking additional classes in the absence of Stephanie Burn who is on leave for Term Three. 

Term Three has started with new Semester Two subjects, plenty of sporting competitions, retreats and fantastic learning opportunities. Staff engaged in a productive Professional Development week which concluded with a Spirituality Day on Friday.  This year’s theme was ‘sacred place’; staff participated in various experiences during the day. Our VCE students completed their practice exams and are preparing themselves for a busy Term three. The refurbishment works have commenced on the Performing Arts Centre and are going well.  

Face to Face teaching time will be amended under the new Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement (2022) and the College will adjust the teaching periods from 50 minutes to 45 minutes to meet this requirement once the CEMEA has been approved. This arrangement will be in place for the remainder of the 2023 year. Please note there will be no change to supervision before or after school. 

Last week, I addressed the College and spoke about the importance of embedding a ‘growth mindset’ into all we do at Monivae. In various learning spaces displayed around the college are posters that articulate Learning expectations for teachers and students. These include:

• Be prepared to learn – every student has the right to learn
• Be resilient – challenge yourself. 
• Be respectful, show kindness, compassion, forgiveness and understanding

As a Catholic school, we are people of heart and positive relationships with our peers and teachers are key to who we are and strive to be. A thriving learning community is built on these core values and principles.

A reminder the Tutor Learning Program is on each Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-6 pm.  The TLP welcomes all students from 7-12 and it is an opportunity to receive help with general homework or in specialist subject areas. No bookings are required, and students can attend at any time. Students are not restricted to only one night or session. Paid casual boarding is available on these nights - please contact the Head of Boarding at mshannon@monivae.vic.edu.au The TLP will conclude week 9 (Thursday 7th Sep).

Last term we were all shocked and saddened by the death of Joshua Elmes in tragic circumstances. To honour and remember Joshua’s time at Monivae, and his contribution to various aspects of the College, we blessed and planted a Mary MacKillop Callistemon in the garden last week. The Callistemon is better known as a bottle brush because of its vibrant red brush-like flower of a native plant and is a beautiful symbol of life. Our native fauna represents growth, wisdom, rebirth and ascension to higher realms of consciousness.  As Catholics, we believe life is eternal and Joshua will continue to live on in the wonderful memories he had during his time at Monivae.

I wish you the very best in learning and meeting the challenges during Term Three with a mindset that will help you grow. Remember it is ‘progress over perfection’ every time. 

Kind regards,

Mrs. Fiona Mulhall

Acting Principal