Principals' Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are already midway into Lent and now in week 8 of the Term. I have been extremely pleased by the number of new students who have settled into the new year and embraced a Monivae Education. I remind you that if at any time you have concerns about your child’s progress, or how they are managing at school, please make contact in the first instance with the Year Level Co-ordinator or Homeroom Teacher. We love to hear the good reports, but equally, we want to hear from you when you have concerns so we can work together early to address those concerns.

Sport is an opportunity for individuals to shine and so many Monivae students are excelling in their chosen field. At a School level, we have seen some outstanding swimming and athletic performances as a collective, but also as individuals. Recently at the GWR Swimming, Monivae placed second against 50 schools, a fantastic achievement.  Individual brilliance was shown by Zoe Rouse (Yr 12), Stella Raymond (Yr 11) and Zak Wan Ullok (Yr 10). These individuals and three of our Relay teams have the opportunity to compete at a State level in Melbourne. Our Interschool Athletics day also produced personal bests and individual Year level champions. Keep an eye out for Holly Sweeney (Yr 10), who blitzed the track events and regularly competes at a State level. Congratulations to Glenelg House for winning the overall House shield. 

I was recently at Cadet Bivouac where another group of Monivae students demonstrated their skills in leadership. I was impressed with their knowledge, preparation, and their ability to be relational. I am confident May camp will be a wonderful opportunity and experience for our Year 8 Cadets with such amazing leaders guiding them.

Ms. Jane Shearwood, Indonesian Teacher, has indicated she is taking up a teaching opportunity at another school in Term 2. I wish her well in her new role. The College is in the process of finding a replacement.

The Pandemic quickly put a stop to any prospects for immersion experiences for Monivae students. The previous opportunities of experiencing PNG & Kiribati are now no longer available. I am pleased to announce the College is planning an Immersion Experience, on country, in Daley River, NT in September.   This will be open to Year 10 and 11 students. More information will be published in early Term 2 and it will be limited to 12 students for this year.

Once a month (Tuesday), Staff and Students cook and serve meals at the Uniting Church in Hamilton, part of their Community service and “Love in action”. Many of our students volunteer to support this wonderful program and the College is now extending an invitation to parents, grandparents and carers. If this is something you would like to participate in or you would like more information, please contact Ms. Maryanne Gustus on 55511200 or email: mgustus@monivae.vic.edu.au. A Working With Children Check will be required.

A reminder, 2024 Year 7 Scholarship Applications are due by the 6 April and Year 7 enrolment interviews begin early Term 2.   The College is expecting positions to be filled early.

As we experience the weeks of Lent, there are some fabulous resources and insights provided by Caritas Australia that help us understand what Project Compassion is and its relationship to Lent. The short video about Laxmi is a compelling story.  From a school perspective it epitomises the transformative power of education. You may like to view the story here:  https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/laxmi-story-video

Lenten prayer

"Creator God, 

Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give.”

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved

Kind regards,

Mr. Jonathan Rowe

Principal