Principals Report

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am very pleased to welcome you all to the start of Term 1 and a new year. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased over the summer break, the College is now able to function at a near ‘Normal’ level. This is extremely pleasing and we are planning to run all events, sporting and social, this year. Last year the College comprehensively reviewed how we taught and supported students, and communicated with parents and the wider community. We learnt many valuable lessons and as a consequence you will notice some slight changes to our approach this year.

A number of new staff join us this year. We are extremely fortunate to have employed such skilled and professional teachers and support staff. In the teaching area, Ms Ruby Austin joins us as a graduate teacher who specialises in Drama.  Ms Melody Keath joins us from Kings College Warrnambool, and takes on the role of School Organisation as well as PE/Health and Mrs Lia Mailes, also a graduate, is teaching English and Humanities. Two Learning Support Officers, Ms Nyah Bester and Mrs Colleen Page, will provide essential support for our students who need additional assistance. The Development Office welcomes Mrs Kylie Schurmann to the role of Marketing Co-ordinator and Mrs Naomi Annett to the Foundation. Mrs Merrin Shannon takes up the role of Head of Boarding this year. I wish them the very best in their new roles with Monivae.

COVID-19 and the restrictions that come with it still remain. The College is continuing to follow all protocols required by the Department of Education and Training. All visitors who attend any function or sporting event are required to register themselves as being present. Each event and the Covid requirements for that event may vary at times. The College will endeavour to communicate these requirements in a timely manner. 

I ask that you keep your child at home if they are not feeling well. We must all continue to remain vigilant and consider the safety of our community.

On Thursday 11 February, the College Intraschool swimming sports will be held at the Hamilton Outdoor Memorial Pool and on Tuesday March 2, the Intrahouse Athletics will again be conducted on our newly refurbished oval. I encourage any parents and guardians, who wish to attend to join us at these events. A QR code has been developed and we ask that you register via this code on your phone. Specific areas for visitors will be designated at these events.

In the coming weeks I will be sending out information explaining the requirements of a survey we are required to do as a Catholic school. This survey is in regard to Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity (ECSI). As it is for any survey, the greater the sample size, the more accurate and valid the data. I encourage you all to participate in this survey when you receive the details later this month.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal