COLLEGE ICONS - STAINED GLASS WINDOW
In 1995 the College was chosen to be the recipient of the
Julia Flynn Memorial Prize and thus the stained glass window concept was born.
Mr Kim Lester of Christmas Glass in Northcote was
commissioned to design and produce the window which is now located in the
College Boardroom and which was unveiled on Friday, February 9, 1996.
There are four major themes within the window. The first is
the flora and fauna which depict plants and wildlife which are found in the
Epping area or were growing or living in this area or in Northern Africa in
bygone times. The local symbols such as the kangaroo, snake, fish, ring-tailed
possum, platypus, and many of the plants are Australian in nature or were or are
found in Northern Africa. Australia is for our own heritage and environment;
North Africa to remember the birthplace of St Monica.
The cross which dominates the background depicts the devoted
work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan for St Monica’s College where they
provided the Principal from 1964 until 1990. In fact, the window is located
within what was once the Sisters’ convent. The cross is in the shape of the
cross worn today by each of the Good Samaritan Sisters. It reminds us too of the
religious nature of our College.
The glorious blue of the sky and the radiant gold of the sun
in the top half of the window represent the school colours of St Monica’s
College, Epping. These colours are bright, powerful and strong – Christian
qualities when lived in the spirit of the Gospel.
Finally, the school motto and the initials of our College are
found in the centre of the window. These remind us that this window has been
especially commissioned for our College community, and that at SMC the staff and
students pray and persevere, just as their patroness St Monica did with such
wonderful results.