Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

This week we reach the end of Term by celebrating Sacred Heart Day, a day celebrated all over the world. It is a time for us to come together as an MSC School and Community to celebrate and of course, a time to remind ourselves of the vision of our founder Jules Chevalier ‘…May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere’. Being part of an MSC community we are called to live our lives being open to the teachings of Jesus with kindness, generosity, love, compassion and forgiveness. Monivae College strives to be an inclusive community, one that is accepting and welcoming, fostering positive relationships and committed to the common good.

Our Monivae community is to be congratulated on its resilience during this Term, particularly with ongoing Staff and Student illness. Monivae has been impacted in many of the same ways Schools across the State have. I thank the Monivae staff for their extraordinary support during these challenging times. I also acknowledge the students who have accommodated their classes being combined or worked in our silent study area. Through all of these challenges the school has managed to continue with nearly every sporting opportunity, camp or excursion. No wonder we are all feeling a little exhausted!

Staff movements

A few staff leave us at the end of this term. Ms Brighid Cannon is moving to Darwin to teach, and Mrs Yati Symington is also headed to Darwin. We wish them well in their new ventures.

Mr Tim Kermeen takes Long Service Leave in Semester 2, he will be enjoying his new caravan as he travels throughout Australia. 

We welcome Mr Daniel Stevenson who has been appointed as an English, Humanities and Religious Education teacher. 

This weekend the College will advertise three leadership positions for 2023. Mr Leon Furze will take some leave early next year and has resigned his position. Mr Furze has served our community over the past 10 years and has had a significant impact on the learning of our Students, particularly in English, but also through his role as Director of Learning and Teaching.

Mr Darren Beks will take Long Service Leave for Semester 1 next year. This provides an opportunity to re vamp his role, Director of Students, in light of the increasing challenges the College faces in dealing with the wellbeing of students. 

Three Leadership positions will be advertised in The Age, locally and online in the coming weeks:

• Director of Learning and Teaching
• Director of Students
• Director of Student Wellbeing (teaching or non-teaching role) – Newly developed role

Role descriptions can be found by visiting the College website - Monivae.com

Tutor Learning Program (TLP)

Changes will be made to the TLP in Term 3. 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 3 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.

PE Uniform

This Semester the College has been trialling the wearing of a students PE uniform to and from school. Partly due to Covid regulations but also to increase the available time for practical classes. Students were informed on a regular basis they were not to wear their PE uniform if they didn’t have a PE class timetabled on that day. A large number of students have been wearing their PE uniform when they shouldn’t, as well as wearing incorrect PE garments. Due to these ongoing issues, students will be required to wear full school uniform to and from school commencing Term 3 and will need to bring their PE uniform to change into for their class. 

Our condolences

Last week a staff member experienced a family bereavement.  On behalf of the College community, I share our deepest condolences with Mrs Meg Cook. Her father Laurie Stevens lived a very fulfilled life and left behind loved and loving family for whom we pray.

God of love and mercy, embrace all those whose hearts overflow with grief. Hold them close during this time of loss and sadness. May their loved one know the infinite peace and mercy of our loving God.

Finally, I wish those who have time off during the school holidays a good break to relax and refresh.  I look forward to seeing our Monivae family return safely for the start of Term Three on Monday 18 July.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal