Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope the Easter break, along with our ANZAC day holiday on Monday, provided some much needed time to rest and re-energise for the busy term ahead.

The first two weeks of Term 2 have been busy, especially for our Year 10’s who participated in their Careers camp in Melbourne in week 1 and followed on with work experience in week 2. This is an important time for them as they explore work options and University courses. Several of our Monivae Alumni volunteered their time, and it is wonderful to see them engage and interact with our current students. I would particularly like to thank Mr. Michel Harms, Careers Advisor, who organised these experiences.

It was the first time our Year 8’s encountered a full week at Cadet Camp. Their Cadet Leaders, ranging from Years 9-12, provided a varied, interesting and engaging five days. The weather, although cold at night, was quite good for May and this allowed the Cadets to experience everything on offer. Our two senior Cadet leaders tested positive to Covid early in the week, which was a shame, but other leaders stepped into their place and were outstanding. Thank you to all of the staff who organised the week or volunteered to give of their time to support this program.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Last term a decision was made to reschedule Parent Teacher Interviews due to an increase in Covid infections among staff and students. These interviews are now scheduled for Thursday, 19 May from 4-7pm in the Chevalier Centre. Bookings are made through PAM.

Ethos and Identity Review

In order to ensure Monivae is fulfilling its mission as an MSC school, it engages in an Ethos and Identity Review every 5 years. The review asks the school to reflect on itself through 5 interrelated lenses. The review involves all staff at the school, students, parents/carers and the wider community. In the coming months parents will be invited to participate in this review process. More information to come.

Covid Update

The Victorian Government announced at the end of last term that it was extending the rapid antigen test (RAT). Students were provided with their four-week supply. The screening recommendations will remain, advising that students should test at home twice per week before arriving at school (Monday and Thursday).

Furthermore, there are a small number of changes that directly affect students, families and staff;

• there is an additional extension to the temporary exemption of people who have had COVID-19, they now do not need to test or quarantine for 12 weeks (up from 8 weeks)
• close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period
• face coverings will still be required on public transport, which includes students on buses.

Families will continue receiving regular email notifications from the College regarding positive cases in year levels. I direct your attention to: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398 

Reflection On Our Action in The Light Of God’s Word

Let every word

be the fruit

of action and reflection.

Reflection alone

without action

or tending towards it

is mere theory,

adding weight when we are overloaded

with it already

and it has led

the young to despair.

Action alone

without reflection

is being busy pointlessly.

Honour the word eternal

and speak

to make

a new world possible.

(Archbishop H. Câmara from The Desert is Fertile)

Kind regards,

Mr. Jonathan Rowe

Principal