Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the beginning of an exciting new academic year, 2025. This year we welcomed five streams of Year 7 students, and 19 new students commencing in other year levels.  We have 9 new staff members from Learning Support and Teaching, along with each of our returning students, staff and community members, as we embark on another journey of learning, growth and faith.

I trust your Summer break was a time of rest and connection for your families and hope that you are returning refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

This year’s College theme is “Connected by spirit, Strengthened by diversity”.

At first, these words may appear simple, however, their meaning runs deep. This theme ties in closely with our MSC values of family and true friendship formed through kindness and understanding, compassion, humility and a sense of humour. We are connected by spirit, a spirit that brings our Monivae community together through our values. Just as we are united by spirit, we are also strengthened by diversity. Each of us brings something unique to this community. Our backgrounds, cultures, talents, and our perspectives. It is through this diversity that we grow, learn, and become stronger as a community.

The world needs young people to show us how to live, how to embrace difference and to believe in the other. Let us be people who can accept people who are different, who may have different religious beliefs or whose values challenge our thinking. Our world has much to offer, but are we listening or hearing one another’s voice? This year as we live and embody the College theme, let us be a family who understand that each of us is made in the image of our God.

Our Year 7 students have had a wonderful and busy start to their Monivae journey. Their camp at Campaspe Downs near Trentham was a great opportunity to challenge themselves through the various activities, bond through teamwork challenges and make new friendships. Photos of their camp can be accessed via our social platforms.

Discovery Day is this Sunday 23 February. It is an opportunity for families to gain an insight into the many amazing opportunities Monivae has to offer. If you are thinking of attending or you know of a family who are, I encourage you to visit our website (monivae.com) and register for the day. 

Once again, we are receiving high numbers of enrolments for Year 7 2026, and I encourage you to be prompt with your application.

I want to give a personal welcome to new students and staff.

I hope your Monivae experience is wonderful and that you cherish your time here, making lifelong friends and preparing to make a difference in the world around you, whether that is near or far.

To finish, I attach correspondence from Fr Stephen Hackett msc Provincial Superior.

To the Students, Staff and Communities of Monivae College

I write to offer my apologies for not be able to join you as you celebrate the opening of the 2025 school year. I am currently a little restricted in my movements following a recent knee replacement operation.

However, I did want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as the new school year begins.

Each of you is a unique Gift of God and you are part of a unique and wonderful College, which in turn is part us – The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. We are a Family, connected by a common and very wonderful spirit that we call Spirituality of the Heart.

Our Director, MSC Education, has described the school communities to me using these words:

“The 4 MSC schools have the same feel about them as you walk in the main gate, whilst still having their own special characteristics. It is like cousins, they have much in common within an extended family, whilst being unique individually. For our colleges, it is our Spirituality, the way we treat and care for one another, that binds and defines us. Fr Chevalier captured it up with his words “it is by the Heart we are something!”

My hope and prayer for you this year is that you each continue to develop your uniqueness and your sense of community, whilst being surrounded by loving Hearts and sharing your Heart, as you grow Strong in Faith. And with Pope Francis having declared this year to be a Jubilee Year, a time to seek and offer forgiveness, you let your hearts shine and be your guide in all your relationships with family, friends, colleagues and especially those who may have wronged you or you have wronged as we start 2025 afresh.

I look forward to visiting you on my travels to our colleges during the year.

With every Blessing,

Fr Stephen Hackett msc

Provincial Superior.

Kind regards,

Mr Jonathan Rowe

Principal