We invited our MSC student, Hoa Tran, to reflect on his time at Monivae.
He writes: this semester, I've begun my summer pastoral placement at Monivae College in Hamilton. Psychology describes the Primacy Effect. It’s the tendency to remember the first experiences most vividly. My first day at Monivae was no exception. After meeting with the principal, Johnathan Rowe, to organise my activities during the placement. He then took me to the Year 8 Reflection Day at Cyril Lampard in Hirl, a short drive from the school.
As we drove, we talked about Monivae and its day-to-day life. I was eager to learn about teaching and all the administrative procedures. Most of my questions were around those areas. But just before we arrived, Johnathan shared something unexpected. "Hoa," he said, "I think the most important thing here is about relationship.” This simple yet powerful saying has reshaped my expectations. It has set the tone for all my experiences at the school.
Education then is not just about academics alone. It is firstly about connection and community. That's what Monivae experience has come to mean for me. The school’s mission statement beautifully puts it: “Monivae College is a heart-centred learning community that embodies the core MSC values of love, positive relationships, and compassion.”
At the Year 8 Reflection Day, I saw this relational dimension in action. Danny Franc, Monivae's Director of Faith and Formation, and other teachers tailored the activities to enable students to know and connect to one another like group discussions, contemplative walk, or create arts work. For me, one memorable activity involved crafting a paper heart and writing down a message of gratitude to someone they appreciate. This activity beautifully expressed the day's theme: "I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36.26).
It’s hard to put into words all my experiences at Monivae. There’s so much to share. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunities to join various teams, Religious Education, Humanities, Science, Learning Support, Well-being, Library and the Mental Health First Aid teams. The teachers and staff welcomed me into their classes and training sessions. They allow me to learn and witness their commitment to MSC core values of compassion and community.
What has made this experience even more special is their trust in letting me share my own journey with the students. I’ve had the chance to give them a glimpse of life as an MSC and draw from my pastoral experiences in different places over the years. It’s been so great to engage with the students, not just as a teacher but as someone walking a little further along the path of life, sharing stories and lessons along the way.
So far, my time at Monivae has been an invaluable experience.
- and a Ted McCormack PS. Ted and Hoa recently visited Koroit (Terry Bowman's home town) and Port Fairy (Peter Hearn's home town). Ted lives at Monivae.
