COMMISSIONING OF NEW PRINCIPAL OF MONIVAE COLLETE, JONATHAN ROWE
We include his address at the ceremony.
Welcome everyone
I am humbled to be standing here in front of you today.
As the incumbent Principal of Monivae College I start this exciting journey with you all knowing that the foundations are strong and that the 11 principals before me have contributed in their own unique way to making this school what it is today. It is now my turn, my opportunity to contribute.
You can’t get to this career point without spending a little time reflecting on the journey. The people and influences along the way, the incredible support you receive from your family, the sacrifices, the study, the rigorous and often harrowing job interviews, the success and joy, the disappointments and your ability to bounce back, those who instilled in you the belief that you had something worthwhile to contribute. I am now starting to imagine what my next journey as principal will be. No one is however, more important to me or has been more supportive, than Rachael my wife. I owe her a great deal of gratitude. We are a great team.
Both of my parents are here today and I think it is safe to say they are both very proud of my achievements but couldn’t have imagined that I would be standing here today.
In my office, behind the door, hidden out of sight is a quote on an A4 piece of paper. Not one that is an inspirational or motivational quote that we often see but rather a reminder to me every day. It is a quote by a man called Alan Turing. He was a mathematician and a pioneer in the world of computer science. He is best known for building a decoding machine to decode Nazi messages in WW2. The quote reads – Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do things that no one can imagine.
I’m certain there is some truth here where my parents are concerned. And how wonderful it is to surprise and delight them occasionally!
This quote reminds me every day of the potential of every single one of you. The paths that you take can lead to great and rewarding careers, amazing feats and lives. And it reminds me that it is my job to make sure, here at Monivae, that you are able to be the very best person you can be. As a Catholic school and in a Christian context this is defined as the Fullness of life for all. This is my mission.
Welcoming and Commission, including new Deputy, Fiona Mulhall
I am going to finish with an undertaking. A pledge to the students of Monivae. As principal I will endeavour to support you in becoming the very best person you can be. I will ensure you will be surrounded by the love of Christ. The Sacred heart of Jesus will be present in your lives through your teachers and through your compassion and kindness for others.
Your teachers and I will continue to provide you with the very best education we can. Every day we will try to be a little bit better than the day before. The decisions that I make together with the Board and Leadership team will always have you the student as the focus and at the heart of everything we do.
Danny Franc
Year 10 boys who asked to appear on the site!
Dare to dream, to imagine and you never know what your journey will be. Six years ago, I could never have imagined I would be standing here, Principal of a wonderful school in the Western districts.
I am extremely excited to be sharing this journey with you all.
Thank you
Altar cloth and college colours
