St Monica’s marking 130-year milestone

ONE- HUNDRED- ANDTHIRTY years after the Mercy Sisters started teaching in a shack on Lake St, St Monica’s College will mark the occasion with a gathering of past and present staff, students and families.

The college will host Leap for 130 Years next Saturday to celebrate a school which now has state-of-the-art buildings alongside its collection of heritage architecture.

Many of its alumni enjoyed their time at the school so much, they have returned as teachers, including AnneMarie Power, who was a student in the early 1980s.

“I felt like I belonged to a community where we were all valued,” Ms Power said.

“Our education was a priority. We were encouraged and supported to reach our potential,” she said.

“We were also taught the importance of kindness and the true meaning of ‘loving our neighbour’ through caring for one another,” Ms Power said.

Wendy Casey, a teacher for more than 20 years, said she was “one of those naughtier students … attuned to the dark side, rather than the good”.

“Yet, St Monica’s staff persevered with me. While I didn’t appreciate it at the time, the sheer tenacity and patience of those dedicated staff has come to mean the world to me.

“St Monica’s offered me structure and safety; taught me to value compassion and integrity; and allowed me to develop confidence and courage.”

Leap for 130 Years will be held from 5.45-8pm Saturday, February 29 in the Sr Madeleine Building in Abbott St.

Tickets cost $35 or $60 double, and includes a commemorative glass and complimentary drink, tapas and canapes.

Performing arts students will provide entertainment and commemorative merchandise will be for sale. A bar will also be available. Buy tickets at trybooking.com or at the office.

For more details, email mmcdonald@ stmonicas. qld.edu.au.