President's Message

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to explore St. Monica Catholic Schools. I am eager for you to learn more about our outstanding schools and our work in preparing young people for success in elementary school, high school, college and beyond. We are a close-knit Catholic community that has the unique benefit of a vibrant, dynamic parish on site. Our schools are graced with the leadership of a pastor who places Catholic education at the top of his priorities and is committed to the quality faith-formation of those he shepherds – the parishioners, staff, parents and students of this extensive community.

Though our schools host two separate administrations, our faith, educational and civic priorities are shared. We provide an environment in which students thrive in the development of their faith; explore all areas of learning and develop an eagerness and aptitude for academic discovery; and value the importance of service to church, community and one another. I can personally attest to the meaningful ways this community touches the lives of young people as I have been involved in the parish for 20 years, St. Monica Catholic High School (as teacher, administrator and principal) for over 17 years, and now as President of St. Monica Catholic Schools, where I serve both St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and St. Monica Catholic High School.

I am especially excited to serve our schools during this time, as our students will be the beneficiaries of an extensive master-site renovation. Our community is in the midst of a ambitious 27-million-dollar capital campaign which involves new structures for learning and enrichment; updated classrooms which will even better reflect the changing needs of our academic community; a renovated gymnasium which will encourage even more school spirit and provide athletes with a facility that will better assist them in reaching their athletic potential; a new child and student center which will primarily address the curricular and co-curricular needs of our elementary school population; and a new and a renovated courtyard/play area which will provide some much-needed green space for our students to play and enjoy the almost-perfect weather Santa Monica has to offer.

I am privileged to be part of a community that, while steeped in tradition and timeless values, thrives on change, embraces opportunity, and provides a learning environment for students that gives them the tools to adapt, engage, lead, and serve. I encourage you to learn more about our schools by exploring our websites, dialoguing with parents, students, staff and community members or by arranging a visit.

God Bless,

Thom Gasper
President
St. Monica Catholic Schools