Mariner News 

SMCHS Community Celebrates Catholic Schools Week

2/3/10

This week the St. Monica parish and its schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week.  The SMCHS community has worked diligently in planning appreciation days to honor and thank members of our community who continually make a difference and help make Catholic education a great investment.  Principal Thom Gasper kicked of the Catholic Schools Week celebration by addressing parishioners at Sunday mass and discussing how St. Monica Catholic High School provides an education that goes beyond four years of schooling.  On Monday, the SMCHS community thanked all SMCHS parents for their incredible support as part of Parents Appreciation Day.  Students wrote notes to their parents thanking them for the sacrifices they make to make a St. Monica education possible.  On Tuesday, students thanked St. Monica donors through phone calls made to alumni donors of the past few years.  These calls helped to thank the alumni who continue to help make a St. Monica education affordble.  On Wednesday, students from all grade levels participated in Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day in honor of teachers and staff that continue provide a great education.  Thursday will serve as an opportunity for the students to be thanked for their great efforts as part of Student Appreciation Day.  Finally, SMCHS will honor and appreciate parish priests and religious is the west Los Angeles area on Priest and Religious Appreciation Day.   

We wish to thank everyone who continues to assist in numerous ways that allow St. Monica Catholic High School to provide an education that pays “Dividends for Life”

St. Monica Schools Announce New President

1/29/2010

Thom Gasper, principal of St. Monica Catholic High School for the past 5 years, has been selected to fill the new position of Schools President at St. Monica, effective July 1, 2010.  "This important role has come to fruition in the best time for our schools" Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson wrote in a letter to parents of both schools.  "They are currently very strong in their admissions, academics, and spirituality, and will further benefit from having a President to support our two schools in these and other ways".

Thom Gasper has been employed with St. Monica Catholic High School for 16 years.  He has earned a bachelors degree, masters degree in Catholic school administration, and teaching credential from the University of Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount University, respectively.  Mr. Gasper has worked with the Archdiocese on advisory councils, visiting teams, and WASC teams to improve other schools, especially those with low enrollments.  Mr. Gasper and his family have also been active members of St. Monica parish for 18 years.

Upon Mr. Gasper’s acceptance of this position, a search for a new principal for St. Monica Catholic High School was immediately set into motion, and is currently underway.

We wish Mr. Gasper continued success as he assumes the first President's role in our schools' history.  Congratulations Mr. Gasper!

Heisman Trophy Winner Speaks to Students

1/19/10

On Tuesday January 19th, students from all high school grade levels gathered in St. Monica church to listen to John Huarte, the 1964 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Notre Dame.  The former AFL and NFL football player spoke to SMCHS students during the honors assembly and stressed the importance of discovering personal strengths early in life in order to live a meaningful life. “Be on the lookout for your talents and personal strengths early” Mr. Huarte said.  “If you can do that you can use these strengths and talents as stepping stones to something greater, something that you will be passionate about and love for the rest of your lives”.

Mr. Huarte is the 4th distinguished speaker to visit St. Monica, having followed presentations by CharacterCounts! founder Michael Josephson, motivational speaker Justin Fatica, and SMCHS alumnus James Dunn.

Entrance Exam Quickly Approaching, Late Applications Still Being Accepted

1/16/10

The high school placement test (HSPT), a prerequisite for admission, is scheduled for Saturday, January 30th at 8am.  All students who opt to take the HSPT at St. Monica are eligible for financial aid consideration.  A complete admissions timeline and online application are available on our admissions page.  

SMCHS Partners with Foundation Revenue

12/1/09

SMCHS families and friends can now take advantage of competitive pricing for ink supplies and support SMCHS at the same time!  A new website has been established to assist in our fundraising efforts while providing competitive pricing for ink supplies.  A portion of the profits from your online purchases goes directly to SMCHS.  Visit www.foundationink.org/stmonicahs for more information and to place your printer ink order today!