From the Executive Deputy Principal

Moments of Discovery in 2025 

Friday, 31 January 2025 was a significant day at St Monica's College, Epping with the arrival and commencement of our newest Monicans. Year 7 students entered the Dalton Road Campus gates with a blend of excitement and trepidation and an almost tangible sense of wonder and awe, gently or enthusiastically anticipating the endless moments of discovery that await them in the days and weeks ahead. Flawlessly attired in their College uniform, with the new blazer scent following their every movement they welcomed the encouraging words or a goodbye kiss from a parent or carer, before joining others experiencing similar emotions in their new homeroom group. Exactly seven days later, this same precious cohort were proudly initiated into the Monican community with the presentation of their College Pin which will adorn blazers going forth symbolising a commitment to Monican values and expectations, and most importantly, our Catholic identity. 

Equally significant, was the return of our Years 8 to 12 student cohorts on Monday, 3 February which saw friends and peers reunite after an extended break, new classes to attend, teachers to meet and timetables to follow. A genuine feeling of readiness for a new year was in the air, a fresh start and the great potential for new discoveries and encounters. The seamless ease of students returning, demonstrated a preparedness for another year of learnings that will educate them from an academic, spiritual, emotional and physical perspective. Monican students know what is expected of them, what the requirements are, and they know that College values are steadfastly adhered to so as to support, protect and inform their actions and decisions during adolescence. Best wishes are extended to all students and staff for the year ahead. All new Years 8 to 12 students will be presented at the Term 1 College Assembly on Tuesday, 18 February, to receive their pin so they too may learn to understand the significance of being a member of the Monican community. 

As the pioneer group of Year 8 students assembled in the beautifully prepared grounds of the St Stephen / Gaudete Campus on that same morning of Monday, 3 February 2025, history was unfolding before our eyes. Together with Mr Hanley, Ms Xerri, Mr Monaghan and a proud group of property staff who have created a beautiful learning environment, we proudly witnessed so many first and memorable moments. Some of these included the first arrival of the buses from Epping carrying the most precious of cargo – our students and staff -, the inaugural address of the first Campus Leader SGC, and the first moments of students embarking on a tailored program that endeavours to enrich growth and development in every sense. Sincere congratulations are extended to all staff that contributed to translating the visionary dream of a fourth campus for St Monica's College, into a reality. 

As we welcome everyone to the 2025 academic year at St Monica’s College, it is the most opportune time to remind all members of this wonderful community, that we always strive to work together in partnership to provide the most optimum of conditions that will allow our students, our staff and leaders to flourish. We aim to form and nurture meaningful connections as these are at the heart of wellbeing. By nurturing relationships with others, we create space for shared experiences that invite balance, purpose, and strength into our lives – making the heavy days a little lighter and the great days even richer. 

Let us Pray and Persevere in 2025 that every Monican, is enriched and enlightened by the many Moments of Discovery that are ahead. 

Miss P Di Maria 

Executive Deputy Principal