Welcome to flying and what is known as "Hangar Rash", damage done in the workshop. It's happened to all of us and it will again!

When you make a patch of Monokote, make it large enougbh that it will extend over the ribs (or at least some tight existing covering) so that there is a firm surface behind the covering that you are applying. Make the corners of the patch rounded so that it isn't easy to have a corner come up later. You realize that you need an iron to apply Monokote, which uses heat activated adhesive, don't you?

I would go on to the field with a roll of wide clear packing tape and have one of the more experienced folks there show you how to make the temporary fix. I also strongly suggest that you have one of the instructors from the club help you learn to fly. It will make the first flights easier and more fun and with less risk of crashing.

Good luck!