Faith & Mission Report

When attending a Catholic School, and working in one, what makes us different from other schools is the fact that we offer formation to both students and staff in the beliefs of the Catholic Church and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

Whilst at times this can feel confronting to both students and staff of other (or little) faith, the formation is based firstly on the belief in the love of Jesus.  This can be built upon in that the belief is based on the story of both Jesus Christ and Jules Chevalier, of which we are a continued part of the story.

The formation of both students and staff is a continued process that, for Monivae, begins at Year 7 or the first year of teaching.

This year our Year 7 students got their first formal taste of formation in Heart Spirituality, with the Year 7 Reflection Day held at Sterling Place, Dunkeld, on Wednesday June 12th. 

This day gave the students an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on approach to understanding some gospel stories, and ample opportunity to discuss what it means to be both Catholic and MSC.

The Monivae Staff Retreat was held during the staff week (first week of the holidays), also at Dunkeld. Each year we have a different theme, with this year spent looking at the gifts each staff member can offer to our community. Father Bob Irwin msc was our keynote speaker, giving the staff much food for thought.

In week two of this term, our Year 11 students also participated in their annual Year 11 Retreat held at Halls Gap on July 24th to 26th.  The students looked at “Choices from the Heart”. The group was split into 9 small groups and participated in activities that helped them delve deeper into their authentic self, as well as giving them ample opportunity to get to know others. With wonderful small group leaders that included staff from different areas of expertise, the retreat was a wonderful success.

Outside of the formal formation programs, we also celebrated our annual Sacred Heart Day on the last day of term, with Mass celebrated by Father Stephen Hackett, the Superior of the Australasian MSC, and also an Old Collegian. He was joined by Father Ted McCormack msc and Father Paddy Mugavin.

The wonderful Mass was the beginning of our celebration, with activities, shared lunches and a concert rounding out the day as we celebrated being part of the MSC.

At the end of the Mass, Monivae presented St Vincent de Paul winter appeal with a cheque of $1000 which went towards their Winter appeal. This money was primarily raised by our annual “Pyjama Day” casual day. This day launches our appeal, which includes our annual donations to Tinnies for St Vinnies. This event is when we call out for tins of soup, stew, baked beans, spaghetti etc that can help provide much needed food for locals who are struggling.

These tins can be brought to school and placed in any of the allocated collection areas, including the front office.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.

Mr Danny Franc

Director of Faith and Mission