From the Principal

COLLEGE THEMES

Since 1991, St Monica’s College, Epping has had a theme chosen for the College community to consider and ponder upon.  It complements but never replaces our revered College motto ‘Pray and Persevere’ which is at the heart of our school, and which draws its significance from the life of our patron, Saint Monica.

As Principal I have taken as my responsibility to select and develop the particular theme for the year.  Each theme is then outlined through a Contextual Statement which I write, and a graphic banner is created which has been the work of long-serving teacher, Mr Sing Ong, for many decades now.  The theme is presented to the community through the first Principal’s Bulletin for the year and copies of the contextual statement and graphic are posted in Home Rooms.  I make reference to the theme in my Commencement Speech to staff on the first day of the school year.

We have had some wonderful College Themes through the past thirty-five years, sometimes a word, or perhaps a phrase.  Never too long, never too sophisticated for even the youngest student, inclusive, practical, very good inspiration for speeches, liturgies, assembly addresses, and references in College publications by many Monicans. 

Some of the more famous and popular Themes have been:  ‘Pride’ (the first Theme of 1991); ‘Australia: Land of the Southern Cross’ (1999); ‘On Eagle’s Wings’ (2001); and usage of very appealing verbs within a theme such as building, listen, thanks, travel together, and shine bright.  The diamond jubilee year Theme was a gorgeous one viz. ‘From A Dream to Diamonds’. This year’s Theme, ‘Moments of Discovery’ has been gleefully embraced.

The purpose of Themes for SMC are for all Monicans to engage in a communal effort to reflect and make meaning together.  Indeed, there will be differing interpretations and understandings, and certain themes will appeal more naturally to some people than others. Each theme is presented as an opportunity for students and staff (and parents also), to make sense to them of what it means to be ‘called by name’ (2005), ‘ belong to a school of many colors’ (2019), or to be ‘God’s masterpiece’ (2003).

College Themes have the potential to leave a lasting memory in the minds of Monicans and can influence their life, long after graduating from SMC.  “I do remember greeting people with the word shalom”, some will say: whilst others might still believe and be affirmed by being considered and acting in a manner as ‘something beautiful for God’ (2010). 

Our College was one of very first Catholic schools (primary and secondary) to adopt a Theme, and we are proud that our decision has been influential statewide.  College Themes have religious content, social commentary, challenge, affirmation (‘Be Not Afraid’ (2018), and sometimes one powerful word such as Hope in 1992, Perseverance in 1993, Justice in 1996, Wisdom in 1998, Celebration in 2000, Dreaming in 2002, Courage in 2006 and Charity in 2015.    Each one of these words is inspirational and beautiful.

Monicans, next time you have a moment of discovery this second half on 2025, remember that it has been the Theme that led you to discover and be glad. Of course, we all ‘pray and persevere’, as all true Monicans do, and yet we are enriched annually with another thought, statement, invitation through the annual College Theme chosen for that year. 

Let us as Monicans return always to the first Theme and have PRIDE in who we are, what we do, and why we seek to be people who reach out and welcome in.

Brian E. Hanley OAM

Principal