Welcome to St Monica’s College, fondly referred to as “Monnies” by our community. Established in 1890, we proudly hold the title of the oldest school in the Cairns region. Our rich traditions trace back to the dedicated Sisters of Mercy, who took over the running of the school in 1892 and have remained an integral part of our community ever since. Our college charism is inspired by the legacy of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. In the Mercy tradition, we strive to provide an educational environment that empowers and inspires young women to reach their full potential.

Our college recognises that every student is an individual with their own strengths and talents. By providing an all-girls environment, we aim to create a space where young women can thrive, free from gender-based stereotypes, and develop the self-confidence needed to succeed in any field they choose.

At St Monica’s, we foster a culture of self-belief and courage, empowering our students to strive for excellence in all endeavours. Supported by our dedicated staff who champion women’s education, our students excel academically, earning national awards and achieving high rates of university entrance. Emphasising a holistic approach to education, we offer a diverse range of subjects and co-curricular activities, catering to the varied interests and talents of our students. From music ensembles to sports teams, our students thrive in an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and personal growth.

Our faith is at the heart of all that we do. Nestled beside St Monica’s Cathedral we embrace our catholic identity through regular Mass and liturgical celebrations, fostering a deep connection to the teachings of Jesus Christ. As a Mercy school we are called to embody compassion and forgiveness, instilling in our students a commitment to social justice and service. We nurture this through our senior service-learning program and charitable fundraisers; empowering our students to make meaningful contributions to our community.

At the core of our mission lies the fostering of a nurturing and inclusive community characterised by integrity and respect. Our diverse student body includes First Nations students and boarders from remote regions and reflects the vibrancy of our college. Students board at St Augustine’s College, which offers a co-curricular full-time and weekly boarding program for our students in Years 7 to 12. The boarding program, overseen by caring and dedicated staff, features modern accommodation, weeknight study with tutors, weekend outings and organised recreation.

As Principal, I am immensely proud of our students’ achievements and the supportive community that surrounds them. Together, we are committed to nurturing compassionate, confident, and socially conscious young women who “walk in the path of justice”. I invite you to explore all that St Monica’s College has to offer and experience firsthand the warmth and vibrancy of our school community.

Mrs Leanne Webster

College Principal