Principal's Report 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

What unusual times we live in and how amazing our community is in adapting and responding to uncertainty and change again. It has been a wonderful feeling to welcome back the Year 12s for their final week and I could sense the joy the students were feeling being with each other. 

As we return for Term 4, we have not received clear direction on whether schools will be onsite or remote. Monivae College will be prepared for both scenarios, and we will share that information with the school community as it becomes available. The Premier Daniel Andrews will make an announcement on Sunday 19 September outlining a “Roadmap” for the coming months. Once this announcement is made, I will provide further updates and changes to our planning of major events in Term 4. The calendar has been removed from this newsletter and an updated one will be sent prior to our return in Term 4. 

One of the great traditions of the College is our Mission Fair day (last day of Term 3). Unfortunately, it will not go ahead again this year and we are hopeful it can be celebrated in Term 4.

Ms. Ruby Austin, Drama teacher, has indicated her intention to move to be with her partner in NSW in 2022. We wish her well and are saddened by her departure. In her short time at the College Ms. Austin has had a significant impact on students, the Arts Faculty and staff. The College is currently advertising for a replacement.

GAT Revised Date

Please be advised that the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has notified schools of the change of date for the General Achievement Test (GAT) to Tuesday 5th October 2021. The GAT will run from 10:00am – 1:15pm and applies to any senior student who undertakes a Unit 3/4 VCE study.

Monivae College Sports Academy

If you haven’t already viewed the messages from Tessa Lavey and Glenn McGrath, visit our College Facebook or Instagram accounts. You may have also noticed adds and editorials in the Herald Sun and Weekly Times or in the Hamilton Spectator. There is certainly a buzz in the Monivae community about this exciting new initiative.

Children 12 and over can get a COVID-19 vaccine

Free and safe COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for everyone aged 12 years and over.

People who turn 12 during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be able to get vaccinated if they meet the criteria for vaccination at that time

Providing Consent for Children

Anyone who gets vaccinated must provide appropriate consent. Consent can be provided verbally. The College recommend parents engage with their child, so they have a good understanding of what they are agreeing to. Vaccinations are not compulsory at this stage.

• People aged 12 - 17 may provide their own consent, if deemed to be a mature minor, and will engage with a senior and experienced immuniser. That means that the health professional assesses that you understand the information relevant to the decision to be vaccinated and the effect of that decision.
• A child’s parent or guardian can attend the vaccine appointment with them.

How to book a Covid-19 Vaccine

You must book a vaccine appointment for your child.

For COVIDSafe reasons, only one parent or guardian can attend a vaccination appointment with a child.

PFIZER CLINICS @ HBH:

Dose 1 & 2 Pfizer appointments available over the next 6 weeks for people aged 12 – 59.

Friday 17th September (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 22nd September

Thursday 23rd September (2nd Dose only)

Thursday 30th September

Tuesday 5th October (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 6th October

Thursday 7th October (2nd Dose only)

Friday 8th October (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 13th October

Thursday 14th October (2nd Dose only)

Friday 15th October (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 20th October

Thursday 21st October (2nd Dose only)

Friday 22nd October (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 27th October

Thursday 28th October (2nd Dose only)

Friday 29th October (2nd Dose only)

ASTRAZENECA CLINICS @ HBH:

Tuesday 21st September (2nd Dose only)

Wednesday 29th September (2nd Dose only)

Monday 11th October (2nd Dose only)

Tuesday 26th October (2nd Dose only)

To book an appointment please visit: https://wdhs.net/v2/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/or call 1800 313 021.

Final year VCE students are currently being prioritised in a vaccination blitz. If you’re child is in this cohort, please call 1800 313 021 to make your booking.

The recommended timing between the first and second dose of AstraZeneca has changed at State run vaccination centres including WDHS. You can now get your second dose six weeks after your first.

This change has been made to ensure more Victorians are fully vaccinated sooner.

It has been a very unusual Term 3 with our in and out of lockdown. I commend students, staff and families for your efforts to continue quality learning and teaching in these challenging times. I hope we are able to continue to have some flexibility of movement throughout the holiday break and if you are travelling, do so safely. Thank you for your continued support of Monivae College.

God of the one and God of the whole, be with those who are working from home today and those whose work keeps them from home.

Be with those who won’t go beyond the front veranda, and those who stay on the front line.

Be with those who must choose between doing a job they know they can do and being the parent only they can be.

May we each in our private worry hear your universal call to come, to lay down heavy burdens, and find a welcome rest.

And then with our burdens lightened, may we help to hold the whole. Amen.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal