Principals Report

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The excitement of both students and staff upon their return to school this week has reminded us all of the importance of relationships and connection. While of course it is great to have students back, I must say they are to be commended on the way they have returned, wear their masks, being friendly to staff and their application to their studies. 

Let us all hope this remains the ‘new normal’ through to the end of the year and beyond.

The wellbeing of students is our initial focus and the College is supporting everyone in their transition back to school. In this first week students were given extra time during recess and lunch to play and reconnect with each other. This was received very positively. As we move through term 4, the College will continue to explore ways to further support them in a positive, gentle and affirming way. Our other priority is the learning of each student. Some students have been better able to progress in their learning in the remote and flexible learning environment, others have maintained their rate of progress, and some have, despite their best efforts and those of their families and teachers, fallen behind. Literacy and numeracy across the curriculum remain a focus, and we will be adapting their teaching and learning program in Term 4 to be responsive to their needs. 

Our priority will be to ensure those who have fallen behind can catch up, and those who have progressed significantly can continue to be extended and stretched in their learning. 

I would like to draw your attention to a survey – About you, conducted by Clomar Brunton on behalf of the Department of Education and Training (DET). The survey collects essential information on the health, wellbeing, learning and safety of young people. After the year we have encountered, this is an excellent way to gauge how our students are coping. The survey will be specifically targeted at year 8 and 11 students and will take place on Wednesday 28th October in their Wellbeing period. 

On Monday 19 October a consent form will be sent out to parents of these two year levels. Please read, sign and return to the school at your earliest convenience. This is essential as students without consent will be unable to complete the survey. I have included some information, at the back of this Newsletter, for you to read. A more detailed survey outline is available, for parents to look at, upon request. Please contact Mr. Darren Beks, Director of Students, via email if you wish to access this information. Email: dbeks@monivae.vic.edu.au

Please note:

Sunday October 25, 2020 is no longer a scheduled school day. 

Monday November 2, 2020 is now a regular school day and students are expected to attend.

Friday 23 October 2020 is a gazetted public holiday as the Friday before the AFL Grand Final. The public holiday has been moved from Friday 25 September. 

Year 7-10 Exams will not go ahead in term 4. Extensive testing of every student will take place to determine their level of learning over the remote learning period and this information will inform the College of any priorities to focus on.

Thursday 29 October is the last day for Year 12 classes and Friday 30 October is our Year 12 Celebration Day and Farewell Assembly. Due to Covid restrictions, this assembly will be streamed live and recorded. Electronic Invitations have been sent out to parents.

I wish you all well for the term. We are delighted to be together as a school community once again.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal