Principal's Report 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A warm welcome to Term 2. The Easter Christian holiday flows into the secular ANZAC celebration and both holidays are built upon tragedy, yet both speak to us as people of hope. We do not celebrate Easter because Christ died; we celebrate it because of Christ's triumph over death. Equally, we do not commemorate ANZAC day for the human sacrifice, rather for the celebration of the human spirit in times of adversity – hope! The resurrection of Christ is central to the identity of Monivae College and the hope it brings to our Christian community.

Once again, I was fortunate to witness our young men and women, who so reverently engaged in representing Monivae College, students and Cadets, at ANZAC parades and celebrations throughout our communities. It was a source of great pride for all who were privileged enough to take part and observe. I thank the Cadet staff for their support and organisation. I also acknowledge the work of the Director of Faith and Mission, Mr. Danny Franc, the College’s student leaders, St Mary’s Primary school student leaders and St Mary’s students and staff who joined us in the reverent celebration of ANZAC Day that took place here at school last Friday. 

While Term 1 was a busy start to the school year, particularly when so many sporting events were included, our aim this Term is to re-establish the routines and expectations of conduct and learning. I feel that in Term 1 we were all adjusting to life back at school, or as near normal as school can be with Covid in the background.  We now have an opportunity as a community to get back into those essential behaviours that underpin good learning.

At the beginning of Term 1 the Leadership team and Faculty Leaders studied the student Numeracy and Literacy data from the end of last year. This was to determine the impact COVID-19 and Remote learning had on our students. The College identified some gaps, specifically in Numeracy and Literacy in our current Year 8 and Year 10’s. The Victorian Government has provided funding to support all of our students in 2021 following the remote learning periods in 2020. 

In order to support the students at Monivae we are asking for Parents/Guardians to provide feedback to determine the best way to support your child/children. The results of this survey will guide the College in planning for an effective Tutor Learning Program in Semester 2. This program will also support students with their Homework and Studies. The College already supports our students through a number of focused programs within school time. 

It is envisaged that the Tutor Learning Program will be delivered outside of school hours. I have provided some information about the program below and encourage you to complete a short survey. The greater the response to the survey, the better our response can be as a School to support your child.

What is the Tutor Learning Program? 

The Tutor Learning Program is an initiative that will assist Victorian government and non- government schools to support student learning following the period of remote and flexible learning. This funding enables schools to deliver additional targeted teaching support to students in a way that best suits their local circumstances. 

Schools are being provided with this funding in recognition that, notwithstanding their exceptional efforts to provide continuity of teaching and learning during 2020, some students will need support to address learning gaps that may have emerged this year. 

How do we identify students to be supported through the tutor program? 

Monivae have used their quality assessment practices and knowledge of students to identify those whose learning has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes data from standardised/benchmarked assessments (ACER testing – PAT-M & PAT-R), together with teacher judgment data. The challenges of remote learning have not only impacted students who struggle with learning. There are students across the full distribution of learning attainment who will not have made the progress they would have made if we had been able to proceed with a normal school year. This initiative is open to all Monivae students.

Tutor Learning Program - Parent/Guardian Survey Link:

https://forms.gle/4opdTTRZTRGjmq8G6

Next week we see our Year 8 and 9 students go on Cadet Camp. There has been an excitement and buzz these last two weeks as preparations for the return of the camp have increased. I thank all staff and our volunteers who are supporting and organising the many activities on offer, as well as the staff who have spent endless hours making sure the week runs smoothly. Fingers crossed the weather is kind!

Our Year 10’s are also completing their work experience next week. Mr. Michael Harms, Careers Advisor, has been supporting these students in organising their placements. I wish our Year 10 students well in their chosen work placement. I know they will learn many valuable lessons.

Finally, I am grateful for the support of Parents and Guardians in enabling and supporting the transition to winter uniform, hair and earrings. Our community works best when we work as a partnership to support the learning and growth of every child. 

Kind regards,

Jonathan Rowe

Principal