We aim to be an inclusive, connected and high quality learning community in which faith inspires action and flourishing.
Welcome to our St Monica’s Footscray website.
On behalf of our school community, I invite you to look around and explore our website to get a feel for what we can offer your child at St Monica’s School, Footscray. We are part of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) family of schools, offering a well-rounded faith based education to students in Footscray and surrounding areas. Our school is a flourishing community where culture, faith and life find a meeting place.
As principal, I lead a dedicated, caring and professional staff who work hard to equip each child with the learning they require to grow as individuals and as contributing members of our community. Students are challenged to think outside of themselves as to how they can make our world a better place through the values of Commitment, Compassion, Confidence, Courage and Creativity. We also place a huge emphasis on positive behaviour for learning (PBL) and routines where we explicitly teach the expectations associated with respect, responsibility, resilience and being safe. Our environment is one where children feel safe, valued and have a sense of love and belonging. We provide all students with challenges and supportive encouragement – Two simple ways to nurture their resilience and positively influence their mental health and wellbeing.
St Monica’s is a warm and very friendly community that provides each child with the opportunity to develop and nurture their natural passion for learning. Our multicultural school recognises, values and welcomes the rich and diverse cultures of the St Monica’s community. As students are the heart of St Monica’s School we strive to provide a learning environment that is inclusive of all, nurturing a climate of mutual respect where students develop a sense of belonging and attachment to school. Together as a community, we shape our vision and values to provide a catholic school of excellence for every child.
We are a supportive and inclusive catholic parish school, enabling all students to be inspired by Jesus ‘achieve the fullness of life’ (John 10:10). Working collaboratively, we provide a quality education for students through meaningful, innovative learning and faith-filled experiences. We embrace parent engagement and pride ourselves in building strong family and community partnerships.
The curriculum at St Monica’s School Footscray interweaves the domain of Religious Education and those of the Victorian Curriculum enabling students to direct and take responsibility for their learning. We encourage authentic student voice for students to collaborate and make decisions with the staff on their learning and how their learning is assessed. The core curriculum is supported with curriculum focus programs in Visual/Performance Arts, Physical Education/Health, Science /Kitchen Garden, STEM and languages including Italian – daily immersion (Teachers as co-learners).
We have a strong focus on the development of reading, writing and numeracy skills. We use technology as a tool for learning and encourage working in partnership with our families. Walking into a school is the perfect way for you to gain an understanding of what it can offer your child and what is valued in the SMF school community. We warmly invite deep and abiding parental involvement in student learning and school life. Communication and consultation are key to ensuring our partnership benefits your child. When we ask our current parents, what drew them to St Monica’s Footscray, they often comment that it was the ‘welcoming feel’ and ‘vibe’ of the school.
If you are considering enrolling your child/ren, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your child for a guided tour of our school. You are welcome to ring or email for a chat to discuss your interest in joining our community.
I Look forward to meeting with you and your family as I help you begin your journey at St Monica’s School Community.
Nathan Owen
PRINCIPAL
B.Arts B.Teaching ACU
MEdLead ACU