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Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
ST MONICA’S
 COLLEGE,
  EPPING

                                 Saint
                             Augustine
                        and his mother,
                          Saint Monica
                             by Ary Scheffer

          VOLUME 30
          NUMBER 4
          August 2020
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
ST MONICA’S
                   COLLEGE,
                    EPPING

                                                          Contents

                                                          3      Principal’s Report

                                                          4      Dalton Road Campus Director’s Report
                     MISSION
St Monica’s College is a regional Catholic                4      Davisson Street Campus Director’s Report
coeducational faith community. The school values the
sacredness and wellbeing of all students, staff and
parents and is committed to serving the young people      5      Deputy Principal’s Report (Operations)
of the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
We promote the truths and values of Jesus Christ and      5      Deputy Principal’s Report (Identity, Mission & Community)
fidelity to the message of the Gospels. Through prayer
and perseverance, we nurture genuine and harmonious
relationships based on restorative principles.            6      Assistant Principal Development, Training & Compliance
Our teaching and learning approach is contemporary,
global in perspective and aims to inspire life-long
learning. We seek to stimulate and develop academic
                                                          7      Liturgy
learning and students’ personal world view through
critical thought, whilst always being respectful of       7      Youth Ministry
students’ abilities and learning styles. We encourage
and assist each Monican to reach full potential.
Student-centred educational programs and extra-           8      Social Justice
curricular offerings foster respect of self, others and
the environment. The College provides extensive
well maintained facilities, resources and technologies
                                                          8-9    Careers
which reflect an ongoing commitment to excellence
and innovation.                                           10     2020 House Chess Competition
St Monica’s College celebrates its cultural diversity
and draws strong identity from its past. We endeavour
to empower Monicans to flourish and contribute            10     Performing Arts
positively to Australia and the world, now and in
the future.
                                                          11-14 Monican Women
          OUR STRATEGIC INTENT
St Monica’s College is a School of Educational            15     Values Education
Enterprise. The College is committed to adopting
international perspectives focussing on global
citizenship and social justice for all. There is an       15     Mask Competition
ongoing commitment to the development of programs
and facilities including a Trade Skills Centre.
The College aims to be a leader in innovation, the        16-17 St Monica’s Day from the Past
use of Information and Communication Technology,
with state of the art resources and encouraging
digital leadership. The College will continue to
                                                          18     The Governor in Schools Program
expand the repertoire of effective teaching practices
and use of data, in order to strengthen curriculum        19     Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
pathways and achievement. Contemporary learning
opportunities will be provided for all community
members, including students, staff and parents.           19     COVID-19 and Masks

                                                          20     Dedication to Studies – Revised and renewed!

                                                          21     Sport
               EDITORIAL TEAM
              Principal Mr Brian Hanley                   22-23 Alumni
                  Ms Pamela Griffin

                      COVER                               24     Enrolments for Year 7, 2022
   ‘Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica.’

                      School of
                     Educational
                      Enterprise
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Principal’s Report

                                                                                                                                                                Gifts on the Table
                                                                                                                                Mr Brian Hanley

Let us celebrate the good things in life – our        From our dear saint comes our revered motto          be a Monican, the privilege, the honor and the
life itself, our family and our friends, our faith,   of ‘Pray and Persevere’. Who prayed more,            delight. We shall never let this virus and this
our school and work, our favorite pastimes            with such fervour and with such perseverance,        hardship destroy the Monican spirit.
and hobbies like music, sports, art, crafts and       than this woman of the fourth century? Monica
                                                                                                           This edition of The Monican includes a very
watching favorite movies.                             pursued her son, Augustine, across seas
                                                                                                           special and once-in-a-lifetime feature. Monican
                                                      and continents, she pleaded on his behalf to
Let us also mourn in sincerity with those                                                                  Women honors a collection of female Monicans
                                                      Bishop Ambrose in Milan, she rejoiced when
in the midst of their grief. We mourn for all                                                              who have distinguished themselves in service
                                                      Augustine converted to the Christian faith and
Monicans who have been affected directly                                                                   to this College since 1964. Identify as many
                                                      reconciled with God.
or through family or friends as a result of the                                                            as you recognise. The honor roll features our
Coronavirus. We pray for the repose of the soul       We are enthralled and captivated by the portrait     Saints, Principals, Good Samaritan Sisters of
of grandparents who have died, for neighbours         of Monica and Augustine by Ary Scheffer              note, Board and Governance Monicans, long-
or fellow workers we know, for those we do            (1795 – 1858) entitled St Augustine and His          serving and special teachers and non-teachers,
not know but who have been taken by the virus.        Mother St Monica. This work catches the              alumni, and special current Monicans. It truly is
We pray for those who live but have been tested       devoted concentration in the beautiful faces of      a treasure trove of loved and revered Monicans,
positive, for those who have agonised whilst          mother and son, its yellow hue suggests a new        past and present. Each is a gift to St Monica’s
awaiting results, for those who live in a constant    dawn emerging, the holding of hands entwined         College, Epping.
state of anxiety.                                     captures the love of a parent and child looking in
                                                                                                           I invite all people as you read to know that this
                                                      awe at the revelation of the Kingdom of God.
August is the month of Saint Monica so let us                                                              College recognises the cruelty of the virus,
smile and hand over our torment and grief for         Our College experiences will be so different in      we shall persevere as best and as often as we
a short time into her heavenly arms. She is           2020. No actual commissioning of new College         must. We love our patron, Saint Monica, the
our loving patron, our spiritual and human            Captains: no party pies, sausage rolls or fairy      remarkable woman of prayer and perseverance.
role model, our College saint and our school’s        floss for lunch: no sweet treat at the end of the    We honor the memory, contributions, service and
inspiration. Her feast day is 27 August annually.     day. The Oration is gone in 2020 along with the      commitment of very special Monican women.
                                                      Sports Breakfast. No amusements lifting us up,
When Saint Monica was selected in the 1960’s                                                               Our loyalty and affection for all things Monican
                                                      spinning us around, rocking and rolling us in a
to have this school named in her honor, some                                                               are the gifts we lay on the table of life in 2020.
                                                      frenzy of speed.
people were disappointed or at least a little
                                                                                                           Brian E. Hanley
surprised, even miffed. Why Monica when               Yet, we will deliver our College Pledges to each
                                                                                                           College Principal
it could have been Scholastica or some other          other one day in 2020, and we shall see our
name more associated with the Benedictine             2021 College Captains commissioned into their
Sisters of the Good Samaritan? But Monica it          future roles. Somehow and on some occasion,
was, and Monica it will remain.                       we shall find time to celebrate what it means to

                                                                                                                                                                      3
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Director’s Report                                                    Director’s Report
    Dalton Road Campus                                                   Davisson Street Campus
                                                    Ms Amorina Chirico                                                                     Miss Paula Di Maria

    The lead up to St Monica’s Week on the Dalton Road Campus            August is the month of Monica and in this extraordinary year that is 2020,
    is an absolute time of joy and excitement for students               it has never been more important than it is right now, to draw inspiration from
    and staff. The countdown commences in the early days of              a woman who is as relevant and influential today, as she was as a woman of the
    August and we can hear a slow tick, tick, tick approaching           fourth-century.
    the “big day”. Year 8 and Year 9 students know exactly what
                                                                         Our patroness St Monica, is an example of someone who worked assiduously
    to expect, and Year 7 students having only heard what the
                                                                         behind the scenes, demonstrating great effort and determination with faith as
    day brings, are literally jumping out of their skin to enjoy the
                                                                         her source of strength, to allow others to reach their full potential. We are all
    celebrations and excitement.
                                                                         familiar with her story which centres on her dogged resolve to lead her unruly
    Alas, COVID-19 has completely derailed the day of days at            son Augustine, towards what was to be his conversion to Christianity. It is widely
    SMC! Students have asked if the day can be postponed, they           understood that Monica’s ceaseless prayer and perseverance, saw no bounds or
    have enquired regarding an alternative celebration, they are         limitations, such was the tremendous love she felt for God, and her own will to
    asking to complete virtual Homeroom decorations, they                have her son experience that great love too. If the recounts of Monica’s life stand
    wonder what a year at SMC looks like without a St Monica’s           true, her invisible ministries to the abused women of her time and her prayers for
    Day celebration and to be honest, so do I?                           her son and husband, remain true examples of the selflessness of a woman who
                                                                         sacrificed everything for those she championed. The ripple effects of her legacy
    My own Year 7 Religious Education classes have read
                                                                         can be felt to this present day, as we draw inspiration from a woman whose actions
    about Saint Monica and studied one of the many beautiful
                                                                         and unwavering devotion remind us that we move in much greater circles than
    prayers dedicated to her. They have written their own
                                                                         ourselves, in the work we do with and for others in service.
    prayer to a friend or family member and have completely
    immersed themselves into our motto, Pray and Persevere.              The challenges that our global community continues to face in 2020, are not
    They understand what a courageous, fearless, tolerant,               unique. History has taught us that prior pandemics have had devastating effects
    patient and loving mother she was. They are proud that our           in various corners of the world, and many of these have been referenced in
    great school is named after her and for her. They know a bit         comparisons made with the current crisis. The great lessons of the past inform us
    more about her son, Augustine and understand that her love           that individuals and groups alike, have, and can work tirelessly and completely
    and devotion to him, reflects the truly dedicated mother             focused and determined towards a desired outcome. At present, the world draws
    she was. My students know that she travelled half way                comfort in the hope that a vaccine will be discovered to assist in eradicating a silent
    across the world in difficult and harsh times to find him and        adversary that has infiltrated the previously most secure of settings. Our homes,
    bring him home in the hope he would convert to Christianity.         schools, churches, aged care residencies and hospitals have been subjected to the
                                                                         effects of this unwelcomed intruder that has in many ways altered these places
    My students are aware of the fact that Monica had a tough
                                                                         from sanctuaries to hotspots. Many sacrifices and concessions continue to be made
    life with an uncaring husband and a hostile mother in law.
                                                                         to ensure the protection and wellbeing of both the most endeared and vulnerable
    They were fascinated by her North African heritage.
                                                                         members of our families and communities. Such sacrifices have been challenging
    They were extremely pleased to learn that not only was her
                                                                         and continue to bring out a mixture of the best examples and in some instances,
    son, Augustine, converted to Christianity, but that he also
                                                                         the worst of humankind. We are all stakeholders in this present situation, and it is
    became a priest, bishop, writer and a saint. My class was
                                                                         important that we are respectfully heated in our determination to support our loved
    fascinated and amazed that this great woman, our College
                                                                         ones, our students, our neighbours, colleagues, our elderly and our health care
    Patron, died peacefully, at the age of fifty-four at Ostia, as a
                                                                         providers. St Monica was unwavering in her pursuit where her son was concerned,
    great role model for mothers world-wide.
                                                                         so too must we be relentless in our effort to seek support and assistance for those
    My students enjoyed learning about all this wonderful woman          that need our help and cooperation to restore the safety and comfort of home, of
    and demonstrated great pride in the fact that they are in her        school, of church, of residential aged care and of our health care system.
    care as MONICANS.
                                                                         In this month we celebrate the strength, legacy and faithful commitment a woman
    What I have not shared with you is that all of this information      of the fourth century, who used prayer and perseverance as her vehicle to achieve a
    about Saint Monica was shared remotely and yet, my students          goal that was selfless and that would ultimately assist to nurture the heart and mind
    remain in awe of her.                                                of one of the greatest Doctors of the Catholic Church. Her relevance in today’s
                                                                         world is abundant. Each one of us could possibly be thinking that we cannot
    Saint Monica, Pray For Us                                            make a difference in changing the trajectory of this present world crisis that is
                                                                         impacting the way we live, teach, learn and play. St Monica’s example however,
    Amorina Chirico                                                      tells us otherwise. It reminds us that one individual can make a significant impact
    Deputy Principal, Director of Dalton Road Campus
                                                                         on another person’s life because they love and believe in them fully. Her altruistic
4                                                                        life journey continues to teach us that we can achieve our greatest of objectives,
                                                                         if we are prepared to make sacrifices for those we love and those that we need
                                                                         to advocate for. This grand figure of courage, faith and determination, in the
                                                                         humblest of ways, is worthy of our respect and awe because she was not prepared
                                                                         to give up despite the odds. She had hope and love until her dying days and as
                                                                         we remember and honour her, particularly during the month of August, let us pay
                                                                         homage to a woman who continues to inspire us, so many centuries later.

                                                                         Saint Monica, Pray For Us
                                                                         Paula Di Maria
                                                                         Deputy Principal, Director of Davisson Street Campus
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Deputy Principal’s Report                                      Deputy Principal’s Report
Operations                                                     Identity, Mission & Community

                                                                                                                                                          Gifts on the Table
                                         Mr Cameron Whitford                                                                     Miss Bernadette Harris

In my article in June I highlighted that, it was indeed        The College’s Leopoldine Mimovich collection was
a team effort in order to respond to the changes in our        started in the 1970’s with the purchase of a few bronze
world. A team effort from all the different groups we          statues. In the 1990’s Mr Hanley gathered all of our
have assembled at the College working many hours               artworks together and started to expand and feature our
in management, facility services, finance services,            holdings. Understanding the important role religious art
teachers and many other areas. What I did not focus on         plays in our faith tradition, he was inspired to develop
was the teamwork between teachers and students and             an extensive Mimovich collection. We currently have
also students and families.                                    an impressive display in both our Augustine House
                                                               Administration Building and newly constructed three
There are many references in the Bible to teamwork and
                                                               storey Teaching and Learning Building.
collaboration and many stories highlighting this work.
However, what sticks out for me is:                            Leopoldine Mimovich was a globally recognised
                                                               Austrian artist and sculptor who immigrated to Australia
“Two are better than one; because they                        after the end of World War II. Specialising in wooden
  have a good reward for their labour.”                        and bronze sculptures, as well as paintings and carvings,
                                                               her creations are widely acclaimed and many feature            Crux Benedictus
– Ecclesiastes 4.9                                             her loving connection to God and Our Lady. In 1985 she
                                                               received the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of
This quote is never truer than today. For it is the union      her services to sculpture and religious art.
between the school, the students, their families and
                                                               We are fortunate to have paintings, icons, statues in
God that will see the benefits post this COVID crisis.
                                                               various mediums and a large crucifix (Crux Benedictus)
When we, as individuals all work together, we can double
                                                               from the former Good Samaritan Convent Chapel.
our strength, lean on each other and create a certain
majestic harmony within our day to day routines.               A much loved feature are a carved wooden set of
                                                               Stations of the Cross that adorn Our Lady’s Chapel.
As teachers continue to work hard creating content,
                                                               The intricately carved set was donated by the Gleeson
dialling in via Google Meet, MS Teams or Zoom, grading
                                                               family. Sister Janice Gleeson served on our staff
work through the screen, it is the students who will also
                                                               from 1973 until 1978. She remained in touch with the
be setting up their work station, remembering to charge
                                                               College and later accepted an invitation to be a member
laptops and meeting the reduced deadlines that have                                                                           Stations of the Cross
                                                               of our College Ethos Focus Group.
been set. This teamwork together will reap rewards in the
long term for the enormous effort they are giving.             Upon entry to our campuses, visitors are fortunate to be
                                                               able to view our impressive Mimovich collection, the
During the day, it is the Property team going about their
                                                               centre piece of which is ‘Heart to Heart.’ A seven-foot
daily maintenance routines, the Finance Department
                                                               (2.134 metres) wooden sculpture, it features a mother
continuing to pay accounts and assist with fees,
                                                               and a child, the child resting on the heart of the mother
Administration Office answering phone calls and
                                                               and the mother holding her child close to her heart.
the IT Department meeting the requests of both staff
                                                               The sculpture has an interesting history and suffered
and students. All these teams work as individuals within
                                                               fire damage prior to its acquisition by the College in
the bigger team that is the Monican family.
                                                               late 2017. It is a golden honey coloured timber, a most
Who knows which way we will go with the COVID                  imposing yet gentle experience for the visitor to the
crisis, only time will tell and many prayers made for          College Reception.
a return to normality. Currently, though, I see all the
                                                               Equally cherished is the bronze statue entitled ‘Mater
Monican community working as a team to overcome these
                                                               Fidelis.’ Purchased to commemorate the Fortieth
huge life obstacles. Strength in numbers to do our part
                                                               Anniversary of the College in 2004, this beautiful bronze
to maintain a normal schooling (as much as possible) so
                                                               sculpture features Our Lady and the infant Jesus and is
that no child is left behind.
                                                               aptly named ‘Mother of Faith’ for it depicts a mother’s
As Stage 4 restrictions have commenced our strength will       devotion to her beloved infant.                                Heart to Heart
be further tested. We must each do our part for Victoria
                                                               The St Monica’s College community was saddened to
and Australia and our families at home. Our individual
mentality must be always thinking of how we fit into the
                                                               hear of the passing of Leopoldine Mimovich on Christmas
                                                               Day 2019 and as a mark of respect we were represented
                                                                                                                                                                5
team and what role we must play, and if we do, our rewards
                                                               at her funeral service. Her deep and abiding faith, artistic
will be plentiful in the future.
                                                               talent and wondrous use of religious art and motifs to
Cameron Whitford                                               inspire religious devotion, will remain an inspiration to
Deputy Principal (Operations)                                  all Monicans now and into the future.

                                                               Bernadette Harris
                                                               Deputy Principal (Identity, Mission & Community)

                                                                                                                              Mater Fidelis
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Assistant Principal
    Development, Training & Compliance
                                                                                                                                             Kirsten Hodgson

                                          Our teaching and learning approach is contemporary,
                                        global in perspective and aims to inspire life-long learning.
                                                        – Mission Statement, St Monica’s College

    One of the many ways that we inspire life-long      PROFESSIONAL LEARNING                                 GRADUATE TEACHER
    learning at St Monica’s College is by modelling     COMMUNITIES                                           PROGRAM
    to our students a culture of continuous             Each year at St Monica’s College, teachers            The College sees the value in employing
    professional learning. In 2020, it has been         collaborate in small groups to develop a              graduate teachers each year, all of whom have
    most pleasing to acknowledge that a changed         common objective which must look toward               experienced recent exposure to contemporary
    educational landscape has only increased the        improving student outcomes. In 2020, we shifted       educational theory and practices. As mandated
    level of professional learning that teachers and    the emphasis of these groups from meetings to         by the Victorian Institute of Teaching, graduate
    support staff are engaging in. We offer many        practical application which saw teachers focused      teacher must submit a portfolio of evidence that
    opportunities for our staff to enhance their        more on changing practices in the classroom.          demonstrates a solid foundation of understanding
    professional practices and in this edition of The   Without the need for continual face to face           of the standards of teaching. St Monica’s College
    Monican, I take the opportunity to share some       meetings, these groups have still been able to        supports its graduate teachers with professional
    of these with our community.                        operate and be productive in a virtual world.         learning opportunities, and each is allocated
                                                        Many groups took the opportunity of shifting          an experienced mentor to guide them through
    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT                            their focus to enhancing the remote learning          their first year of teaching. Mentors are also
    WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS
                                                        experience for students in Terms 2 and 3.             provided with training in areas such as providing
    AND COURSES
                                                                                                              actionable feedback and effectively observing
    St Monica’s College is committed to the             Linda Kopec, Educational Leader in the United
                                                                                                              classroom lessons. At the end of the process,
    provision of resources to support staff to          States, stresses that “Education is a field that is
                                                                                                              graduate teachers provide their evidence with a
    increase their skills and knowledge of              dedicated to continuous learning. Professional
                                                                                                              devised inquiry question in mind. We have many
    educational practices. Each year, staff attend      learning communities are the ‘training ground’
                                                                                                              engaging portfolios in the process in 2020, with
    an array of professional learning events in         for this to occur.” At St Monica’s College,
                                                                                                              some inquiries including: How can technology
    a number of contexts and 2020 has been no           a significant focus on ongoing professional
                                                                                                              be used to differentiate in the classroom? and
    different. Conference providers have moved to       development aimed at improving teaching
                                                                                                              How can a focus on self-reflection improve
    online webinars as a way to continue to meet        practices and in turn student outcomes is always
                                                                                                              student outcomes? We wish all of our graduate
    the professional learning needs of educators and    at the forefront and has once again thrived
                                                                                                              teachers the best as they present their portfolios
    our staff have embraced this opportunity and        in a year that has seen educational goal posts
                                                                                                              and move toward full teaching registration.
    regardless of their work location, have attended    constantly shifted. There are some wonderfully
    these sessions in large numbers. With the rather    valuable PLCs occurring this year, including          ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS
    sudden and unexpected move to remote teaching       groups with a focus on: Using new technologies
                                                        for a STEAM classroom, Enhancing Science              All staff at the College are regularly encouraged
    and learning this year, many staff have taken the
                                                        in today’s world, Exploring interdisciplinary         and supported to embrace professional learning
    opportunity to upskill and develop their ability
                                                        questions and Implementing flipped learning.          opportunities. Each year, we conclude with a
    to teach in an online world. We also have many
                                                                                                              thorough review process for all teachers and
    staff that are engaging in online qualifications,
                                                        COACHING AND MENTORING                                educational support staff that enables reflection
    such as Certificates in Educational Support and
                                                                                                              on practices and the professional learning that
    Certificates in Training and Assessment (to         St Monica’s College Mentoring and Coaching
                                                                                                              has occurred throughout the year. The process
    become nationally recognised VET trainers).         program is aimed at further developing our
                                                                                                              also provides an opportunity to set goals for the
    SMC’s commitment to the faith development           culture of ongoing professional learning and
                                                                                                              year ahead. We are most proud of the manner
    of its community can be seen in its support of      reflective practice. Our Teaching and Learning
                                                                                                              in which our staff model a commitment to life-
    teachers to engage in studies that enable them      Charter states that the teachers at SMC nurture
                                                                                                              long learning at St Monica’s College.
    to achieve and maintain Accreditation to Teach      lifelong learning. Staff taking part in the
    in a Catholic School. We provide many in-house      program will experience collegial discussions,        Kirsten Hodgson
    opportunities for this professional reflection      classroom observation, peer feedback and self-        Assistant Principal
    and development. The College is generous in its     reflection. The College has been committed to         (Development, Training & Compliance)
    sponsorship of staff to pursue academic goals in    the growth of coaching and mentoring for many
6   their specialised areas.                            years and in 2020 it increased the role of the
                                                        senior staff mentor, responsible for the provision
                                                        of mentoring and mentor training across
                                                        the College. The philosophy behind the
                                                        program is to continually train colleagues to be
                                                        effective mentors so a culture of peer coaching
                                                        develops throughout the College. The focus
                                                        is not merely on inexperienced teachers but
                                                        rather the notion that even the most experienced
                                                        senior staff members have something to learn
                                                        from peer observations.
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Liturgy                                                            Youth Ministry

                                                                                                                                                             Gifts on the Table
                                                  Frank Cumbo                                                                             Theresa McLaurin

Throughout His life, Jesus affirmed that His highest priority      ‘The System of the Parish Cells of Evangelization’ (SPCE) sprung to life in 1987,
would always be spending time strengthening and celebrating        when Rev Don Piergiorgio Perini established a group of parishioners to revitalise
His relationship with His Heavenly Father through prayer           his parish in Milan. SPCE, or ‘Cells’ as it is often called, is a means of evangelising
and leading others to do the same. This is why Jesus devoted       through weekly gatherings of small groups, traditionally in homes or parishes.
countless hours to personal and shared prayer, even as many        Cells meet regularly to cultivate the five dynamics of growth in the Christian life:
people sought Him out for healing and wisdom. Jesus never          fellowship, praise/worship, formation, witness, and service.
allowed Himself to become ‘too busy’ with the many good
                                                                   I first encountered Cells as a teenager at my local parish, St Francis of Assisi,
works that were in His power to perform. Instead, Jesus
                                                                   Mill Park. As a young person, I eagerly awaited the ‘youth’ cell meeting every
made a point of building a community around Him that was
                                                                   Thursday evening as an opportunity to catch-up with friends and grow in my faith.
dedicated to the ‘work’ of prayer; the original meaning of the
                                                                   We began each gathering by recollecting ‘God-like moments’ or opportunities
word liturgy.
                                                                   for gratitude throughout our week, sharing prayers of thanks and praise to God
Our Monican community imitates Christ in our time by               for these gifts. The focus of our discussions was Sunday’s Gospel reading.
taking up every opportunity to pray, no matter where we are.       We pondered the perfect example of Christ and the imperfect example of His
Throughout the last few weeks, Monican staff and students          followers, which in turn influenced how we would go about our week. We always
have prayed from home and at school. We have prayed                concluded the formal part of the session with intercessory prayers for the world,
privately and in small groups, in person and gathered              our community and our loved ones. Then there was time for socialising and pizza.
virtually online. Our prayers have been varied in style and        Usually we would remain behind well after the official meeting ended.
length but they have always been centred on the gifts we have
                                                                   It has been a blessing to see our recently launched Monican Cell group bear
to offer to those in need of healing, support or encouragement.
                                                                   similar fruit. The gatherings, which are held mid-week, give students a chance
It was truly wonderful, then, for us to have discovered a gift     to catch their breath, draw inspiration from the Gospel and each other, and
from past Monicans in recent days; prayers that Monican            go forward ready to spread the Good News by their lives. In each meeting,
students had written almost fifty years ago were identified        relationships are nurtured and Monicans accompany one another in developing
in our College archives. Gayle, a Form 5 student in 1972,          as servant leaders and Disciples of Christ. Cells draws on the ‘oikos’ method
expressed the following sentiments in her prayer: “Help our        of evangelisation. Your oikos is that group of people with whom you are in
world in its efforts to make peace, for you have overcome even     regular contact. Our relationships are God’s natural channels of accomplishing
death itself in the Resurrection of Christ. Give peace to those    evangelisation. Therefore, Cell attendees are encouraged to reach out to others in
who live in fear, courage to those who have lost hope and faith    their oikos – family members, neighbours, peers, co-workers, and teammates.
to those who live in doubt.” These gifts continue to be needed
                                                                   Every ‘Cell’ group is a small yet important part of the Church’s evangelising
in our time and it the rediscovery of this prayer is a timely
                                                                   mission and work. In a parish context, the Cell of evangelisation is in a vital
reminder that our College has always been a community of
                                                                   relationship with the parish community, much like a biological cell relies on its
faith concerned for the needs and wellbeing of all.
                                                                   connection to the body for life. At St Monica’s College, ‘Cell’ attendees similarly
Rather than praying less when we are busy or overwhelmed           realise connections between the Gospel and their experience of College and
by the circumstances of our lives, we pray more. We ensure         Parish life, including the many ways they have responded to the call of Christ:
that we remain centred on the core of who we are: members          participating in the Mass and Sacraments, prayer, youth ministry, social justice
of a Catholic Community dedicated to helping young people          and community involvement.
identify, cultivate and celebrate their God-given gifts.
                                                                   Monicans interested in participating in a ‘Cell’ meeting are welcome to speak to
Yes, this is for the good of those young people, since it
                                                                   Mrs McLaurin for more information.
helps Monicans to thrive and find their place in the world.
Yet, by encouraging students to place their gifts on the table,    Theresa McLaurin
our College also makes great contribution to the common            Coordinator of Youth Ministry
good of all. Inspired by St Monica, our patron, we nurture
these gifts with regular prayer, affirming that, ultimately,
                                                                   “The lunchtime ‘Cell’ meetings have        “Cell meeting are fantastic to get
it is the voice of God that quietly urges us to use our gifts in
                                                                    always been a nice break from the            our minds away from the stresses of
the service of others.                                              stresses of school. Without fail, I have     our studies and life and provide
Frank Cumbo                                                         always left the meetings enlightened         us with the chance to reflect on the
Liturgy, Faith & Mission Coordinator                                and educated. Our weekly discussions         Gospel by discussing aspects of it
                                                                    and readings enable us to open up            with like-minded students.”
                                                                    dialogue about relevant issues as           Lynton Martin
Be strong and courageous. Do not be                                 well as share our own perspectives.                                                            7
frightened, and do not be dismayed,                                 This initiative has played a significant
                                                                    role in refining my faith and more
for the Lord your God is with you                                   importantly, instilled in me the ability
wherever you go.                                                    to acknowledge different opinions
                                                                    and empathise with the experiences of
– Joshua 1:9                                                        others. I strongly encourage my fellow
                                                                    Monicans to come along to one of the
                                                                    'Cell' meetings, and see how we create
                                                                    change spiritually and mentally,
                                                                    through the power of the Word.”
                                                                   Leanne Sebastian
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
Social Justice                                                                                         Careers
                                                                                     Damian Fleishmann

    RERUM NOVARUM AWARD PROJECT                                                                          UNIVERSITY VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS
    Rerum Novarum was an encyclical letter           It is with great enthusiasm that the application    It is the time of the year when senior
    written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891 to address      was accepted and the group now progresses           students are attending University
    important social issues of that time. It was     onto the next stage of the Award process.
                                                                                                         Open Days. This year all of the Open
    the seminal document in the development
                                                     Why did they chose this issue?                      Days will be conducted virtually, and
    of the Church’s social teaching in the
                                                     (extract from application)                          most will be held in August.
    modern era.
                                                       “O ur parents decided to enrol us as
    The Office for Justice and Peace and
                                                         Monicans, which means we all have
    Catholic Education Melbour ne have                                                                   Students are encouraged to register for as many
                                                         to some degree, privilege, and with
    introduced a Rerum Novarum Award in                                                                  Open Day events as possible and register soon!
                                                         that privilege comes a responsibility.
    2020. The award is for groups of students
                                                         A responsibility to not turn a blind eye        Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary
    in Years 10-12 in Catholic schools across
                                                         for those suffering in not only our own         level in the next few years should attend.
    Victoria. It required the students to develop
                                                         community but the world, and recognise
    Social Justice projects on an issue, using
                                                         the advantage we have been given,
    the See, Judge, Act method to apply the
                                                         especially regarding being born or to           Apart from the opportunity to obtain course
    principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
                                                         live in the country we are in.                  information, there are many other reasons for
    Senior Be More students (Angelique                                                                   participating:
                                                        When I watched a documentary by Stan
    Incorvaja, Zoe Pappas, Briana Papathanasiou
                                                        Grant on the ABC, this line really stood          • Y
                                                                                                             ou are going to feel more comfortable
    and Savannah Tamilselvan) decided to
                                                        out to me, ‘We cannot close the gap and             arriving at a university or TAFE institute
    enter and submit their application based on
                                                        our people too often remain out of sight            on the first day of classes if you have done
    racial prejudice, equality and indigenous
                                                        and out of mind to most Australians.’               your research and found out more about the
    perspectives within Australia.
                                                        So, to be a Monican is not only to be               institution
    Application:
                                                        aware of our privilege, but to use it for         • W
                                                                                                             hat is really involved in the course or
      “In this year of health pandemics, protests      the better of others and help give a voice          courses you are interested in
        about race and inequality and treatment         to those who struggle to get it heard!”
        of the marginalised, we are reminded of                                                           • W
                                                                                                             ill you be happier studying in a large
        our call to be like the Good Samaritan          – Angelique Incorvaja.                              metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps
        and to genuinely encounter those most in                                                            rural institution?
        need. As Australians, and as Monicans,       Be More students will now move onto
                                                     larger projects of collaboration, including a        • W
                                                                                                             hat does the place ‘feel’ like? Watch or
        we need to look inward and reflect on the
                                                     research paper, video presentation, project            participate in Virtual Tours, and try gaining
        unjust treatment of Indigenous people
                                                     impact report, and a funding proposal in               an insight into whether or not it is a bustling
        and observe the current social climate
                                                     order to win the $10,000. We congratulate              environment with lots of activity, or a quieter,
        from their perspective. We, the students
                                                     them on their efforts.                                 more relaxed campus set in landscaped
        of St Monica’s College Epping, urge
                                                                                                            grounds
        all to stand in solidarity and celebrate     Damian Fleishmann
        Indigenous people and culture and            Coordinator of Social Justice                        • H
                                                                                                             ow are you going to get there? Is it close to
        advocate for just treatment and an end to                                                           public transport or should you start saving
        marginalisation”.                                                                                   now for a car?

                                                                                                         To make your Virtual Open Day activity fun and
                                                                                                         informative, here are some pointers:

                                                                                                          • W
                                                                                                             rite down a list of questions you would like
                                                                                                            to ask about particular courses – if they are not
                                                                                                            addressed during the virtual event, you can
                                                                                                            always follow up with the institutions later

8                                                                                                         • I f the event allows Q & A, make sure you ask
                                                                                                             lots of questions

                                                                                                          • Enjoy the activity!

                                                                                                         Paul White
                                                                                                         Manager of Careers Department
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
INSTITUTION                                                                                 DATE                         TIME                 CONTACT DETAILS
 Australian Catholic University                                                              Sat 29 August                9am - 3pm           1300 275 228
 Melbourne Campus                                                                            Sat 5 September              9am - 3pm           Email: opendayvic@acu.edu.au

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Gifts on the Table
 Virtual Tour: www.acu.edu.au/locations/melbourne/melbourne-virtual-tour                     Sat 12 September             9am - 3pm           Register for any of the three Open Days at
 Ballarat Campus                                                                                                                              https://openday.acu.edu.au/ AskACU – students can
 Virtual Tour: www.acu.edu.au/locations/ballarat/ballarat-virtual-tour                                                                        call, submit an online question, or start a chat
 Australian National University                                                              Sat 22 - 28 August           Various times       https://www.anu.edu.au/events/anu-open-day
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrByokzunww

 Bond University                                                                             Sat 25 July                  1pm - 5pm           1800 074 074
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Cvh1SFhkY                                                                                            https://bond.edu.au/open-day
 Box Hill Institute                                                                                                                           1300 059 104
                                                                                                                                              www.boxhill.edu.au/events/
 Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)                                                   Sat 29 August                                    www.collarts.edu.au/open-day
 CQUniversity                                                                                Sat 1 August Sat             10am - 1pm          13 27 86
                                                                                             15 August                                        www.cqu.edu.au/courses/future-students/
                                                                                                                                              future-study-options/open-days
 Charles Sturt University                                                                    6 - 17 Sept (select days) Various times          https://study.csu.edu.au/life/events/open-day
 Deakin University & Deakin College                                                          Sun 16 August             9am - 4pm              1800 334 733
 All Campuses                                                                                                                                 www.deakin.edu.au/openday
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ImJgEya4U&feature=youtu.be                                                                           (03) 9244 5197
 Federation University                                                                       Sun 16 August                                    1800 333 864
 Virtual Tour: https://federation.edu.au/future-students/                                                                                     https://federation.edu.au/openday
 study-at-federation/virtual-tours?utm_source=redirect&utm_
 medium=web&utm_campaign=virtualtour
 Griffiths University                                                                        Open until 1 October         Various times       1800 677 728
 Nathan Campus                                                                                                                                www.griffith.edu.au/open-day
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-DnEHq8_wk
 Gold Coast Campus
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8lXH_W8VOU
 Holmesglen Institute                                                                        6 August                     Various times       1300 639 888
 All Campuses                                                                                                                                 Online bookings are essential
 Virtual Campus and Study Tours: https://holmesglen.edu.au/Students/                                                                          www.holmesglen.edu.au/opendays
 Secondary-School-Students/Resources-for-Career-Practitioners/Campus-tours/
 JMC Academy                                                                                 Sat 15 August                                    (03) 9624 2917
 Melbourne Campus                                                                                                                             www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/open-days
 Virtual Tour: https://vimeo.com/408262168
 Kangan Institute                                                                            Wed 26 August                                    13 82 33
                                                                                                                                              https://study.kangan.edu.au/open-day-2020/
 La Trobe University & La Trobe College                                                      Sun 2 August                 10am - 4pm          1300 135 045
 Melbourne Campus                                                                            Sun 23 August                10am - 3pm          Register to participate at www.latrobe.edu.au/openday
 Virtual Tour: www.latrobe.edu.au/melbourne/virtual-tour                                     Sun 23 August                10am - 3pm          (03) 9479 2417
 Shepparton / Mildura / Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Campus                                                                                         La Trobe College: https://vimeo.com/281917262
 Virtual Tour: www.latrobe.edu.au/bendigo/about
 Melbourne Polytechnic                                                                                                                        (03) 9269 1200
                                                                                                                                              www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/
                                                                                                                                              about-us/news-and-events/events/?
 Monash University & Monash College                                                          Sat 29 August                10am - 2pm          1800 666 274
                                                                                             Sun 30 August                10am - 2pm          www.monash.edu/news/events/open-day-2020
                                                                                             Mon 31 August                4pm - 7pm           (03) 9903 4788
                                                                                                                                              Monash College: www.youtube.com/
                                                                                                                                              watch?v=KvC-DDcxSlE&feature=youtu.be
 Photographic Studies College                                                                Sun 2 August                                     (03) 9682 3191 or 1300 818 777
                                                                                                                                              www.psc.edu.au/study-with-us/psc-virtual-open-day.html
 RMIT                                                                                        Sat 8 and                    10am - 3pm          9925 2260
 Bundoora, City & Brunswick Campuses                                                         Sun 9 August                                     www.rmit.edu.au/openday
 SAE Qantm                                                                                   Sun 30 August                11am - 2pm          1800 723 338
 South Melbourne Campus                                                                                                                       https://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/
                                                                                                                                              melbourne-campus-open-day-16-august-
                                                                                                                                              2020/?date=2020-08-16&id=558
 Swinburne University                                                                        From Wed 12 August           Various times       1300 SWINBURNE
 Hawthorn Campus                                                                                                                              www.swinburne.edu.au/openday/
 Virtual Tour: www.swinburne.edu.au/virtual-tour/360/photos/
 Torrens University                                                                          On demand                    On demand           1300 575 803
                                                                                                                                              www.torrens.edu.au/about/virtual-open-day
 University of Melbourne                                                                     Sat 5 and                                        1800 801 662
 Parkville & Southbank                                                                       Sun 6 Sept                                       https://study.unimelb.edu.au/openday
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_cgsdW2vVw
 University New South Wales (UNSW)                                                           Sat 22 August                9am - 4pm           1300 864 679
 Canberra Campus (ADFA)                                                                      Sat 5 September              9am - 4pm           www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/adfa-open-day
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWI74RY9IlA                                                                                            www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/unsw-open-day-0
 Sydney Campus
 Virtual Tour: http://360tour.unsw.edu.au/
 University of Sydney                                                                                                                         1800 793 864
 Virtual Tour: https://tour.sydney.edu.au/                                                                                                    http://openday.sydney.edu.au/
 University of Tasmania                                                                      28 - 30 August               10am - 5pm          www.utas.edu.au/open-day                                       9
 Virtual Presentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v
 =SbOKANdSuTg&feature=youtu.be
 Victoria University                                                                         Sat 29 August                12pm - 6pm          1300 842 864
 Footscray Park Campus                                                                                                                        www.vu.edu.au/open-day-2020
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=al61hNvyKd8&list=PL3y_
 wByS2sRPafspC45HiKnnLqzejFYqs
 City Flinders Campus
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdGYdwxnBng&list=PL3y_wByS2
 sRPafspC45HiKnnLqzejFYqs&index=2
 City Queen Campus
 Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSRlhPVYxCs&list=PL3y_wB
 yS2sRPafspC45HiKnnLqzejFYqs&index=4
 William Angliss Institute of TAFE                                                           Sat 1 and                                        1300 264 5477
                                                                                             Sun 2 August                                     www.angliss.edu.au/study-with-us/meet-us/OpenDay/
This information was correct at the time of publication. Students are encouraged to register soon for these events so they can receive important updates. Addresses of tertiary institutions are
available via VTAC on www.vtac.edu.au or by ringing the institution directly or visiting their website. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to participate in a few Virtual Open Days.
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica - by Ary Scheffer - VOLUME 30 NUMBER 4 - St Monica's ...
2020 House Chess Competition                                    Performing Arts

     The 2020 SMC DRC House Chess Competition commenced
     on Wednesday 17 June in the Reading Room of the Pamela
                                                                  The show must go on and a lot is going on in
     Coyne Library and DSC House Chess Competition                the Performing Arts at St Monica’s College
     commenced on Thursday 18 June in Room Q77. All students
                                                                  2020 has definitely been a unique year in our history. The first semester proved
     played competitively with great enthusiasm and enjoyed
                                                                  challenging, especially for our budding Monican Performing Artists. However, all
     the competitions. House lunchtime chess competitions are a
                                                                  staff and students have persevered – creating, sharing and performing consistently
     great extension to the SMC Chess Club run by Mr Strantzen.
                                                                  during the lockdown period. With the re-introduction of Remote Learning for
     Both competitions will continue when school resumes.
                                                                  Years 7-10 in July, many Arts events have been postponed. The annual College
     The following students participated in the first round of
                                                                  Production of the Wizard of Oz is currently on hiatus and is scheduled for a bigger
     the competition:
                                                                  and better 2021 performance season. The Production Team have worked very hard
                                                                  to ensure students will have the opportunity to perform this musical classic next
     YEAR 7
                                                                  year at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre.
     Manan Ahuja, Aidian Ebenezer, Angella Dcunha,
     Cruze De Giorgio, Ekin Dang, Jackson Sloan,                  The Principal’s Cup for Song auditions are well underway and this year, the
     Vu Tran, Eric Tun, Max Mircevski, Dessie Fitzgerald,         prestigious Principal’s Award will be held virtually for the first time in the
     Isaac Botuyan, Tan Nguyen, Dean Wu, Maksim Saletic           College’s history! Students are currently in the process of submitting audition
                                                                  performance recordings and finalist videos will be released from the 31 August.
     YEAR 8                                                       Adjudicator, Belinda Parsons, a professional vocalist and experienced educator, is
     Pranav Jaswal, Vansh Kumar, Lachlan Brundell, Justin         set to announce the winner on the evening of the 7 September online. We wish all
     Taduran, Trajco Nikolov, Matthew James – (BYE)               our Monican vocalists the best of luck!

                                                                  Benjamin Hodges
     YEAR 9
                                                                  Faculty Leader of Performing Arts
     Stanley Lee Tui, Yuvraj Sharma, Jordan Papadopoulos,
     Jared Fu, Jeremiah Susi

     YEAR 10
     Edwin Joby, Jim Xue, Aryan Bhalla, Anuraj Verma,
     Hitesh Suneja, Matthew Kristanto, Julian Tsobanopoulos

     YEAR 11
     David Tran, Rohan Raju, Ericson Abraham Morkattil,
     Joseph Susi, Ben Chen, Vivek Gilbert Antony,
     Jake Vasilevski, Connor Uniacke, Angad Sidhu

     YEAR 12
     Nathan Chow, Shreshth Saharan, Pino Mascetti

     Mrs C. Polidano
     House Program Administrator

10
St Monica’s College, Epping has been a
thriving and respected secondary College
in the Archdiocese of Melbourne since
its foundation in 1964. Today, it proudly
and rightfully bears the title of a ‘School
of Educational Enterprise’.
From its earliest time , the College has
had imprinted upon its soul the influence
of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of
the Order of Saint Benedict. The Sisters
of the Good Samaritan are the first female
religious order established in Australia ,
and today they continue their mission in
education , hospitality and prayer across
a range of ministries in most States
of Australia and in Kiribati , Japan and
the Philippines.
What follows is a dedication to Monican
women of the past and the present, and
hopefully an inspiration to all female
students and staff members who will be
Monicans in the wonderful future that
awaits our College.
Females have been at the heart of Monican
identity and life and accomplishments
since 1964 and it is apt that several ,
representative of so many others , are
highlighted in this honour roll. From 1964
until 1977, our College was a Catholic
College for female students. It became
coeducational when male students were
enrolled in 1978.
Our Saints
                                                        Saint Monica (332 - 387 A.D.) is the patron
                                                        of our College and her life and her devotion
                                                        to God has inspired generations of Monicans
                                                        and will do so into the future. Indeed, we
       Saint Monica                Mother Mary          name ourselves ‘Monican’ proudly and
                                                        the name ‘St Monica’s College, Epping’ is
                                                        renowned and respected worldwide. It is           Other Good
                                                        from this saintly woman, that the College
                                                        motto ‘Pray and Persevere’ derives, a woman
                                                                                                          Samaritan Sisters
                                                        of enormous prayer and extraordinary and          Thirty-four Sisters of the Good Samaritan
                                                        brave perseverance.                               served at St Monica’s College, Epping in
                                                                                                          various capacities, mainly in the classrooms.
                                                        Our Blessed Mother, Mary has always
                                                                                                          Each Sister is remembered with love through
                                                        been a significant figure in Monican life
                                                                                                          a rose planted in her honour in the Bede
                                                        from earliest days. Mary, Queen of Heaven,
                                                                                                          Polding Rose Garden. A brass plaque names
                                                        has played a large role in the prayer life
                                                                                                          and commemorates the Sister and her time
                                                        of the school and it is Mary who leads us
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat   Sister Patricia Thame                                                      at SMC.
                                                        so faithfully into the arms of the Saviour.
                                                        Our Lady’s Chapel on Dalton Road Campus           Other ways through which the Sisters’
                                                        is named in honour of the Blessed Virgin.         contributions are recognised are the Our
                                                                                                          Lady of the Cherry Blossom Peace Garden,
                                                        Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat rscj
                                                                                                          the Good Samaritan Prayer Centre on
                                                        (1779 - 1865) has emerged as a woman of
                                                                                                          DSC, Helen Lombard Archives Centre and
                                                        significance for Monicans in recent years.
                                                                                                          Samaritan Square on the senior campus.
                                                        Saint Madeleine Sophie founded the
                                                        Society of the Sacred Heart at the time of        Several Sisters are remembered with great
                                                        the French Revolution and her writings            affection. Sister Dorothea Tallon sgs was
                                                        inspire staff and students now and will do so     unofficially and affectionately known as
                                                        into the future. Her most loving and beautiful    ‘St Monica’s Good Sam’ due to the
     Sister Mary Duffy         Sister Laserian Crowe
                                                        words, ‘For the sake of one child’ greet all      considerable time she spent at Epping
                                                        those who enter the Learning and Teaching         including being Year 12 Coordinator,
                                                        Building on Davisson Street Campus.               Science Coordinator and eventually
                                                                                                          she moved to the greatly valued role of
                                                                                                          Pastoral Visitor. The Sister Dorothea Tallon
                                                                                                          Avenue runs past the HORIZONS Centre,
                                                        The Principals                                    Music rooms and Educational Support
                                                                                                          rooms on DRC.
                                                        Sisters of the Good Samaritan served in           Sister Julian Quaine sgs worked faithfully
                                                        leadership from the foundational year until       in the senior Library for a long period of
                                                        the end of 1990. We honour Sister Patricia        time and became a respected and very
   Sister Helen Lombard        Sister Therese Quinn     Thame sgs (Sister Louis) as the first Principal   identifiable figure on campus. She was
                                                        and her period of service over the initial two    the epitome of perseverance and thus the
                                                        years were memorable and essential to what        decision to name the senior library the Sister
                                                        has become a highly successful College.           Julian Quaine Library was met with great
                                                        Sister Mary Duffy sgs followed and won            acclaim and approval.
                                                        secondary registration for this new College
                                                        and, as Sister Kieran, she was highly regarded    The third distinguished sgs was Sister
                                                        and admired. Sister Laserian Crowe sgs            Margaret Keane sgs. Sister Margaret
                                                        served as Principal in 1971 until Sister          performed the role of Head of the then
                                                        Helen Lombard sgs, one of the most highly         South Campus (now Dalton Road Campus)
                                                        regarded members of the congregation, took        for many years before moving onto
                                                        the College into new territories in curriculum    Principalship elsewhere. Her fame centred
   Sister Harriet Gleeson      Sister Dorothea Tallon   from 1972 until 1976.                             on her astuteness, kindness and sense of
                                                                                                          energy and adventure.
                                                        Her Deputy, Sister Therese Quinn sgs
                                                        advanced the College in all ways including
                                                        the purchase of land on Dalton Road and
                                                        the transformation of a girls’ College
                                                        into a coeducational institution. In 1985,
                                                        Sister Harriet Gleeson sgs was appointed
                                                        Principal and was the last serving sgs
                                                        Principal. She concluded her term in 1990.

    Sister Julian Quaine       Sister Margaret Keane
Governance
                                                                                                 Kerry Cercone                            Rita Lekkas
St Monica’s College has been well served                                                                           Elizabeth Dempsey
by hardworking and talented women in
governance and leadership. Two College
Board Chairpersons stand out for special
mention, Kerry Cercone and Elizabeth            Alumni
Dempsey. Their determination to make our
school better and distinguished in all shapes   The list of distinguished female alumni
and forms will be recalled with gratitude by    is long and impressive. Three individuals       Amorina Chirico                         Paula Di Maria

generations into the future. The service of     stand out for special mention in this tribute
                                                                                                                    Bernadette Harris
Rita Lekkas, currently serving on the Board,    to Monican women. Madeleine Campbell
has been incredibly valued over many years.     was the first College Captain and she
                                                remains a devoted Monican whose affection
Current Deputy Principals, Amorina              for her alma mater is great. Madeline opened
Chirico, Bernadette Harris and Paula Di         our Year 10 wing in 2004.
Maria are acknowledged as Monicans of                                                           Maureen Barnsley                        Joanne Depetro
distinction. The latter two are alumni          Margaret Santilli (nee Malone) has been
of SMC. Their longevity of service, their       involved intimately and devotedly with
high levels of competence and their embrace     the College community since the day she                              Patricia Toomey

of prayer and perseverance as critical life     first walked through Monican doors as a
and spiritual values is recognised and          pioneer student in 1965. She continues to
appreciated by the community.                   work in classrooms, she has served on the
                                                College Board, and she is a recipient of a
Principals over the generations have            Samaritan Medal. Janet Donahoo (nee
                                                                                                  Vera Teuma                             Lorraine Pratt

been extraordinarily well served by             Robb) described her experience on the
administrative staff who are committed          first days of the College as like being in
to the gift of service. Maureen Barnsley,       a ‘close, little community’, and she has                             Pamela Coyne
Patricia Toomey and Joanne Depetro have         maintained an enormous affection for this
won the admiration and trust of thousands       now large community since the pioneering
of Monicans and many grateful Principals        days of the 1960’s.
since the College was established.                                                                Judith Clarke                         Concetta Cartelli
                                                Other distinguished female alumni include
                                                Kaye Dixon (nee Lowe), Sara Terpos (nee
                                                Stefani), Olivia Chamoun and so many
                                                staff who have returned to their College as
Staff Members                                   members of staff.
                                                                                                                   Catherine O’Brien

A cavalcade of distinguished women have
served the College since its foundation and                                                      Michelle Keele                         Claire Polidano

truly the College has been blest as a result
of their talent and commitment. Foundation      Current Students
staff member, Vera Teuma (nee Brophy)
continues to take an active interest in the     Fifty percent of the 2,000 students currently
Dance students and her encouragement prize      enrolled at the College are female. Publicly                       Angelina Di Donato

is a valued trophy for them.                    and privately, these female students display
                                                attributes of compassion, leadership,            Leonie Johnson                          Helen Doherty
Other retired staff members whose influence     resilience and integrity on a daily basis.
has been outstanding are Pamela Coyne           College Captain Gabrielle Godinho and
after whom the junior library is named and      Vice-Captain Keziah Iozzo demonstrate
Lorraine Pratt after whom the sports fields     servant leadership that inspires and
are named. The names of Coyne and Pratt are     empowers the community in its mission.
synonymous with the title ‘Monican’.            They develop and nurture support from their
                                                                                                                   Madeleine Campbell

In addition, Judith Clarke for her many         Student Council colleagues and potential          Silvana Pavia                         Margaret Santilli

achievements and Catherine O’Brien              future student leaders.
who established the counselling service at      Other very impressive female Monicans
SMC belong to the ranks of distinguished        are found in social justice, values and youth
members of staff. A band of staff members       ministry activities, sport, performing arts,
in 2020 have given thirty years of service      and class leadership roles.
to the College, what an intrepid group                                                                                 Kaye Dixon
they are. These women are Concetta                                                               Janet Donahoo                            Sara Terpos
Cartelli, Michelle Keele, Angelina Di
Donato, Claire Polidano, Leonie Johnson,
Bernadette Harris, Amorina Chirico,
Helen Doherty and Silvana Pavia.

                                                                                                Olivia Chamoun     Gabrielle Godinho      Keziah Iozzo
“An explicit way of speaking about the
mystery of God in female symbol is the
biblical figure of Wisdom. This is the
most developed personification of God’s
presence and activity in the Hebrew
Scriptures much more acutely limned
than Spirit, torah , or word. The term
itself is of feminine grammatical
gender: bokmah in Hebrew, sophia in
Greek, sapientia in Latin. While this of
itself does not determine anything, the
biblical depiction of Wisdom is itself
consistently female, casting her as sister,
mother, female beloved, chef and hostess,
preacher, judge, liberator, establisher of
justice, and a myriad of other female roles
wherein she symbolises transcendent
power ordering and delighting in the
world. She pervades the world, both nature
and human beings, interacting with them
all to lure them along the right path to life.”
Johnson E.A., ‘She Who Is’, Crossroad
Publishing Co. New York, 2008

B.E. Hanley
College Principal
Values Education                                                                                     Mask Competition

                                                                                                                        Gifts on the Table
Values Education is centred on the importance      The students wrote kind and supportive
of embodying virtues core to our Catholic          letters to encourage those who are in strict
identity. As Christians we are called to serve     isolation from their loved ones due to
others. As a coeducational faith community,        COVID-19. These actions display the love
we aim to live by our mission, to promote          we should all aim to show towards everyone.
the truths and values of Jesus Christ. Our call    As a community, we attempted to use our
to serve during this time is a responsibility      gifts to make a tangible difference in the life
held by all.                                       of others. In this challenging and uncertain
                                                   time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for
At St Monica’s College, we aim to promote
                                                   a response has become apparent. By placing
the value of kindness, compassion and
                                                   our ‘Gifts on the Table’, Monicans are
companionship. An important way to do
                                                   spreading hope, goodness and love.
this was through the City of Whittlesea
program to support the elderly in our local        Jessie Cheriyan
area. Our Junior Council, Values Education         Values Education DRC Mentor
students and Year 8 and Year 9 Class Captains
generously took this opportunity to support
members of our aged care community.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS IMPORTANT INITIATIVE:

Stanley Lee Tui                  Sara Oghanna                        Sanjita Choudary
Anisija Dimoski                  Emily Mifsud                        Vy (Lam) Dao
Anthony Raddino                  Jordan Quiambao                     Isabella Calthorpe
Gia Thakur                       Joshua Licastro                     Jessica Korlevski
Chelsea Fernado                  James Matthew                       James Pougioukas
Isabella Hazelwood-Smith         Abbygail Madio                      Tamara Petkovska
Alyssa Golob                     Annamaria Iozzo                     Shakti Gunasegaran
Simon Tawfiq                     Kiara Petrovski                     Manan Ahuja
Lauren Musig                     Aris Iannella                       Emily Jovanoski
Alana Karalis                    Laura Yildrim                       Kate Pavic
Natalie El Markaz                Luis Colosimo                       Alyssa Golob
Martin Lynton                    Vincent Barillaro                   Anisija Dimoski
Simon Tawfiq                     Angelina Pino

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