Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 3.  I hope the recent break provided your household with a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some time together away from the usual routines of school life.

Term 3 marks an important point in the academic year – a time of focus, growth, and renewed momentum.  For our students, it presents a valuable opportunity to build on the progress they’ve already made, to set new goals, and to engage deeply in their learning. For our staff, it is a time to consolidate, innovate, and continue working in partnership with families to support each student’s journey.

At Monivae, we are guided by our Principles of MSC Education, holding teaching through relationships as a core value.  We have and a deep commitment to drawing our students into the pursuit of truth and excellence by fully engaging with the world in which we live.  As always, we look forward to working closely with you – our families – as we support each young person to grow in learning, friendship, kindness and understanding.

Some families may have received an invitation to complete a survey from Insight SRC.  It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children’s experience of school.  More responses to this survey provides more consistent feedback and opportunity for the College to improve.  Staff and students are also surveyed for their input and perspectives.

This week our 1st Vll Netball team competed against Ballarat Clarendon College in the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS) competition.  Although losing narrowly the Monivae girls represented the College with great endeavour and sportsmanship.

Other sports teams have also competed this term.  Students representing Monivae in the Coleraine Field and Game Shoot won the day and I congratulate them also for the way they conducted themselves. Our Year 7/8 Soccer students played in Ballarat on Wednesday in cold and wet conditions (wouldn’t expect any other weather in Ballarat!). The team, consisting mainly of Year 7s and with no bench, competed valiantly all day.  A special shout out to Ciaran Behrendt (Year 11) for coaching, encouraging and supporting the team.

Many students, parents and staff have spoken about their wonderful experience at Year 11 Retreat last week.  My sincere thanks and gratitude to Mrs Lia Mailes, Faith and Mission, Mrs Sofia Vearing, as well as the many staff who supported this retreat program.

Today, Friday, 8 August is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.  Mary MacKillop led an extraordinary life.  She was born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Melbourne, to Scottish parents.  She passed away on August 8, 1909.  At the age of 18, she moved to Penola, South Australia, to work as a governess for relatives and later, with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, established a school for underprivileged children laying the foundation for the creation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  Under Mary’s guidance, the Sisters of St Joseph thrived, embarking on a mission to provide education in remote and rural Australia.

God of all blessings, you revealed in Mary MacKillop a sensitivity to the rights and dignity of every person, regardless of race or creed.

May we learn from her to overcome fear and prejudice.

Help us to value the goodness of each person and all the blessings of unity in diversity.

We ask this through the depth and unity of you, our bountiful God who holds all things in being.

Amen.

Kind regards,

Mr Jonathan Rowe