Principal's Report

My newsletter comes out on the day we celebrate the ‘Feast of the Sacred Heart’. A day celebrated all over the world (the actual date this year was 11th June). It is a time for us to come together as an MSC school and community to celebrate and of course, a time to remind ourselves of the vision of our founder Jules Chevalier ‘…May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere’. Being part of an MSC community we are called to live our lives open to the teachings of Jesus with kindness, generosity, love, compassion and forgiveness. 

Our founder, Jules Chevalier MSC, saw clearly that our Charism and our Spirituality is the answer to all the ills of our time. More than ever, in our day, we do need a Spirituality of the heart; a spirituality of compassion, of love and of mission. Our constitutions, approved by our Universal Church, have given us a mandate:

A mandate to ‘be like Jesus who loved with a human heart’ A mandate to ‘lead others to God with kindness and gentleness’ A mandate to ‘unite all to Jesus and to free them from fear’ A mandate for ‘justice and concern for all, especially the very poor’.

As Monivae College, a Catholic school in the MSC tradition, we celebrate the diversity of our community by recognising the uniqueness of every individual. Monivae College strives to be an inclusive community, that is accepting and welcoming, fostering positive relationships and committed to the common good. Scripture reminds us that each and every person is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1). Therefore, each person has their own inherent dignity and is intended by God to grow to fullness. Jesus challenges us with a radical vision of love and inclusion. Pope Francis (2016) took up this challenge and reaffirmed that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, ought to be respected in their dignity and treated with consideration.

Our schools have a responsibility to ensure that each student receives an education free from discrimination and bullying. We must be proactive in providing safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, in particular students who are same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people. Research carried out over the last twenty years has highlighted the strong correlation between homophobic and transphobic abuse and the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of victims. This research has demonstrated that schools are the predominant location for this abuse, both verbal and physical https://monivae.com/images/downloads/Policies/Anti-Bullying_and_Anti-Harassment_including_Cyber-Bullying_Policy_2021_-_2026.pdf . Our student and staff leaders have been working towards ways all our students can feel valued and supported.

When we speak out against prejudices, we support each other to lead authentic lives. In recent weeks we celebrated Reconciliation Week, a significant event on our calendar that occurs every year from 27 May – 3 June.  Despite activities being placed on hold due to the lockdown, the theme ‘More than a Word’, is particularly relevant and it encourages us to act. ‘More than a Word’ resonates with the ordeal of Adam Goodes and the racism he endured, and it is still very relevant. It reminds us that when there is an issue, all of us have a role to play when it comes to making everyone feel accepted and welcomed, particularly the marginalised. Through such significant events such as Reconciliation Week and Pride Month, we are working together as a community to be more just and equitable and by championing mutual respect as we come together and connect.

As families, it is quite reasonable to recognise that as the term break approaches, we may experience some fatigue from our young people (and recognise it in our own behaviours too). This can manifest as anger, tears or frustration, and it will regularly come about through some almost trivial challenge; Have you finished your homework? Can you pick up the towels off the bedroom floor? As parents, I encourage you to pause in our own response and consider what may really underpin the behaviours of our young people. 

As is broadly recognised, the last 15 months have been unprecedented, and the further we are along life’s journey, the more able we are to reference this experience as abnormal. For young people, they have less life experience to reference their experience against. So as families, we continue to provide the buffer for the media saturation of all that is wrong in our world. It is important that we continue to express gratitude, love and highlight the things that are going right in our lives. 

Continuing to take time to be present to our young people and families is important. We are pleased to be at school, but we recognise that there is still a lot that is not normal, and the Monivae community is here to support those experiencing challenges over this time. I encourage you to please reach out if you feel your family needs support in your educational journey; our support of one another is at the heart of what it means to be a Catholic Christian community.

Ms. Elaine Noske is taking semester 2 Long Service Leave and Mrs' Andy Kirkwood will be her replacement. I wish Ms. Noske a pleasant and relaxing time on leave. Mrs. Reegan Morris is returning from Maternity leave next term to take up a part time position in Humanities. We also welcome back Mr. Terry Molan from Long Service Leave.

Tutor Learning Program

Semester 2, 2021

Thank you to the large number of families who responded to the Tutor Learning Survey (TLP) recently. The responses were reviewed closely and venues / times were informed by your responses. The table below indicates where the TLP will run over terms 3 & 4. The TLP will be staffed with Monivae teachers who have volunteered their time to support this initiative. The TLP welcomes all students from 7-12. No bookings are required, and students can access any venue on any of the days identified. They are not restricted to only one night or session. The TLP will support Monivae students with their homework and learning needs.

Students wishing to utilise the TLP at Monivae as well as the boarding facilities, must pre book via email with the Head of Boarding, Ms. Merrin Shannon.

Email: mshannon@monivae.vic.edu.au

Boarding is free of charge for any student wishing to access this program. The College provides dinner, breakfast and lunch as well as accommodation for students on these nights. A list regarding linen requirements, toiletries etc will be sent to those who have booked accommodation in the boarding house. 

Please note: the TLP will begin in week 2 of Term 3, 19 July and conclude Wednesday 10 November. The TLP will not run during Term 3 school holidays or November 1 & 2.

During terms 3 & 4, venues and times will be reassessed to meet the needs of our students and some changes may be made. Any changes will be communicated in a timely manner.

I hope you all have a peaceful and relaxing holiday break with family and friends.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal