Principal's Report
Jonathan Rowe
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Monivae has a focus each year on supporting Caritas Australia for awareness and fundraising. Caritas is the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Each Lent, Caritas launches its Project Compassion appeal - a practical way of bringing to life our campaign of Christian service. Lent sharpens our awareness of prayer and the importance of doing good work and acting selflessly and with compassion.
Tuesday’s Athletics carnival was a wonderful day and although a little chilly early everyone managed to keep warm. I am always impressed by our student’s behaviour and it was great to be able to hold this event, once again, on our school oval. Congratulations to Mitchell House for their victory on the day and to those individual age group champions. It is not uncommon for students to put pressure on parents and guardians not to attend school on sports days, but it is imperative that parents stand firm and point out that community events are an important opportunity to learn and build both team and school spirit. Our focus throughout our sports program across the College is on participation. The team with the greatest level of participation has invariably been recognised as the overall winner at the carnival.
Our GWR Swimming squad are training at lunchtimes, in our pool, with a focus on bringing them together as a team, improving their fitness and stroke technique before they compete at Horsham on the 19 March. Students in the squad have been sent an email detailing the arrangements and expectations.
I would like to remind parents about our Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity (ECSI) survey. A sample of students, staff and parents have been invited to complete the survey. A link and information regarding the survey will be emailed directly.
Following on from Monivae’s Discovery Day on Sunday 28th February, I encourage any families who have a child starting secondary school in 2022, who have not registered for Spend the Day at Monivae, to access the link via the College website – www.Monivae.com Registration is required and spots are filling fast.
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. It is celebrated on March 8th throughout the world annually. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity to help forge positive change for women.
I encourage you all to click the link provided. Anisa Nandaula – Spoken Word Poet - has written a piece #ChooseToChallenge for International Women’s Day.
The College Leadership team have recently developed a document outlining its core values and I have included this attachment below.
I received the sad news of the death of Leighton Wraith. He passed away Monday 2nd March after a couple of days in palliative care. Leighton was a dear friend of Monivae College and was Chair of the College Board for two years.
Grant Leighton Eternal Rest, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
COVID-19 restrictions remain with us although there has been some easing of these restrictions in recent weeks. This has allowed the College to go ahead with the Presentation Ball on Saturday, March 27 and invite family members to attend. There is much excitement among the year 11 cohort in anticipation of this upcoming event.
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.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Rowe
Principal