FIRST PHASE
Towards the end of the 19th century, a school for girls was started rather insignificantly in a room behind the rectory by Mrs Elton, the wife of Father Elton who arrived at Sandakan in 1988.
A year later, two teachers, Miss Eaves and Miss Clarkson were recruited from England to help Mrs Elton. In April 1901, these three English ladies left Sandakan for good. Father Elton carried on and his usual foresight started to build a new school for the girls. With the help of Mrs Birch, the wife of the new governor, a fund Raising Committee was formed. The school building was completed in April 1903. Miss Butcher arrived from England to run the school of which majority of them were Chinese. In 1909, a new wing was added to the school and another teacher, Miss Tiedesley came to help Miss Butcher. It was at this time that the name of St. Michael’s Girls’ School was changed to St. Monica’s School by Bishop Mounsey.
There followed a break in the records no doubt attributable to the First World War and St. Monica’s School emerged into history again in 1924. Miss Kendrick and Miss Shoebridge were running the school at that period of time. Miss Kendrick later joined by Miss Rigby joined the staff.
SECOND PHASE
In 1928, Sister Irene came to St. Monica’s School when Miss Rigby went on leave. Sister Anne left for England in 1933 and her place was taken by Sister Alison. In February 1942, the school which has been closed was reopened at the command of the Japanese. Whereby, learning and teaching of Japanese Language was enforced. The school came to a sudden end of 12 May 1942 when the sisters and all Europeans were one hour notice to leave. In March 1947, Sister Alison returned to carry on the work of the school until 1953. Sister Ena Florence arrived and became the principal in 1954. Like all other schools, girls flocked to enrol to study English after they had completed their Chinese Primary education. The numbers increased rapidly.
After 26 years devoted work in Borneo, Sister Alison left in 1960 having laid the good foundation for St. Monica’s School, Sister Florence let Miss Barbara Beaumont take over the principal ship and then she went to Kuala Sapi for pioneering work in 1961.
THIRD PHASE
In April 1962, a chapter opened with the appointment of Ms Margaret Yong as principal. She is an ex-pupil of St. Agnes School, was trained in the United Kingdom. Expatriate missionaries’ work reached its fulfilment when their places can be taken by fully qualifies indigenous personnel.
In January 1983, Sister Margaret Yong resigned as the principal of St. Monica’s School. Mr Wong Hock Phin from Sandakan Government Secondary School was transferred to the school to take up the post. St. Monica’s building became very congested and maintenance of the wooden building was costly and certain parts were beyond repair. Mr Wong Hock Phin, the School Board, Anglican Churches, Alumni felt that it was high time for St. Monica’s School to look for a more suitable place to build a new school. Mr Wong was promoted to another school in Sandakan. The principal ship was taken over by Mdm Winnie Voo Nyuk Yung.
After a lengthy follow up (3 years) and through the help of the Sabah State Government, the land located at the Sibuga Road along North Road was finally approved for St. Monica. On 9 December 1990, The Revd. Datuk Yong Ping Chung, Bishop of Sabah on 9 May 1992. Mdm Winnie Voo requested for transfer to Kota Kinabalu on 30 June 1993. Mdm Susan Tung Nyuk Lin was the acting headmistress from 1 July 1993 to 17 October 1993. The Ministry Of Education sent the new principal Mr. Francis Lam to the school on 18 October 1993. Mr Lam served in the school until 10 july 1999. Madam Chu Yun Thin was the acting headmistress from 11 July 1999 to 8 January 2001. The Ministry of Education then sent the new headmaster Mr Patrick A. Gidah to the school on 9 January 2001.
