Dear Parents and Carers,

The end of term two is rapidly approaching making this the final Newsletter of this term. I thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this first semester of 2024.

It’s been a busy and productive term which is confirmed by a look at the College Calendar and the Daily Messages, concluding this week with the GAT, VET Taster Day (Year 9), Uniting Church Luncheon, VCE & Subject selections Information evening, Year 12 Mid-Year Dinner, Year 7-11 exams and Sacred Heart Day. Monivae is a vibrant and busy school community!

Year 7-12 Music Performance night – A new date, early term 3, has been scheduled to showcase the talent of our music students. It will also enable us to use the newly refurbished PAC for the first time. Very exciting!

Save the Date - Music Performance Night: Tuesday 30 July, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

Ticket information will be sent directly to families.

2025 Subject Selections - Our Year 8 & 9, 10 & 11 students began the process of choosing their learning pathway and subjects for 2025. Thank you to the many parents and carers who attended our Subject Selection Evening on Wednesday led by our Director of Learning and Teaching, Ben White. Most importantly, information relating to Year 9 & 10 Electives as well as the new VCE model with pathways (VCE, VET & VM) were explained. Our young people have a wonderful opportunity to curate the learning pathway that best meets their goals, learning aspirations and interests.

Refugee Week - Families have been fleeing their homes because of war and other conflicts for centuries. Unfortunately, we still read about people trying to escape dire conditions to provide a better life for their families. At present, Monivae College hosts a small number of students of refugee families offering them, through education, an opportunity to transform their lives and futures. An article (attached below) has been published in The Warrnambool Standard highlighting the plight of Eman Tabaza, a former student of Monivae who is currently trapped in war-torn Gaza. Eman was at the College from 2014 -2016. She was part of our MSC community in my first two years at Monivae and I remember her as a very humble young woman who had already experienced great hardship. A GoFundMe page has been established by an old Collegian to support Eman.

Refugee Week runs between June 16 - 22, highlighting the perils that many individuals and families face daily. We pray this week for refugees in our own community and around the world:

God of Mercy, we lift up to You all refugees and their families.

Grant them strength and courage as they seek new beginnings.

Shelter them with Your love and peace in times of uncertainty and

Guide them to places of safety and hope, where they can rebuild their lives and find freedom.

We pray especially for those students at Monivae College and their families

who came to us as refugees.

Bless their journey with compassion and support.

Amen

Finally, I remind Monivae families that Term three commences for students on Monday 15 July.

I wish you a peaceful and safe break.

Mr Jonathan Rowe

Principal