Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Term Three has started with new Semester 2 subjects, an air of excitement and plenty of sporting opportunities and competitions. Our junior footballers were undefeated on the day this week, and I was impressed by the talent and skill displayed. Importantly, they showed great sportsmanship and represented Monivae in an exemplary way. Our senior girl’s Netball teams fell just short in the final in Geelong and our senior students compete today in Basketball. Congratulations to each competitor and thank you to those staff and parents who have helped in some way. A report later in the newsletter details their achievements.

Our VCE students completed their practice exams last week and are preparing themselves for a busy Term three. Staff engaged themselves in a busy Professional Development week which concluded with a Spirituality Day in Dunkeld.

Welcome new staff

This semester we welcome new staff to our Monivae Community. Ms. Jane Shearwood steps in as our new Indonesian Teacher and Mr. Daniel Stevenson as a Religious Education, Humanities and English Teacher. I wish them both well in their new appointments.

COVID Update

We have received advice from Catholic Education Ballarat that it is strongly recommended by the Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, with face masks being mandatory for those aged 8 and over who are household contacts and attending school. This is because wearing masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.

Also, the period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements, has been reduced to 4 weeks. Previously this period was 12 weeks.

This means that students that have recovered from COVID-19 are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine again if they are re-exposed to a case within 4 weeks of ending the isolation period.

Additionally, where a student who is a household contact wishes to attend school (and not isolate for 7 days), they must:

- Continually test negative using a rapid antigen test on at least 5 days out of the 7-day      period (ensure tests are spaced at least 24 hours apart)

- Wear a mask indoors when outside your home (for those over 8 years of age)

- Notify their employer/school, and

- Not visit hospitals or care facilities.

Tutor Learning Program (TLP)

Changes will be made to the TLP in Term three. In previous Newsletters I indicated a low involvement of students at Portland, Heywood, and Casterton. In light of this the TLP will no longer be offered in these locations in Semester 2.

The TLP will continue at the College on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 4 – 6pm. Term three start date is Week 3, 26 & 27 July.

Please note: Boarding will no longer be available to students who participate in the TLP on these days.

I wish you well throughout Term Three.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal