Santa Maria College

We are delighted to invite you to our Community Celebration of the opening of the Santa Maria College Cultural Centre.

This is a special day for family, friends, and our wider community to come together and share in the opening of this wonderful new space. You will have the opportunity to experience our new theatre through performances by our students, who will be on stage from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. You are welcome to come and go as you please, stay for the full day, or drop in for the items you most want to see. Please see the program below.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, so please come along, settle in, and enjoy the occasion.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

This morning at recess, we welcomed back Hannah Fielder (Class of 2019) for the third session of our Sisterhood Recess Series.

Hannah shared her career journey, from studying Architecture at Curtin University to discovering her passion for the surveying industry. Students gained valuable insight into her day-to-day role and had the opportunity to see some of the advanced technology she uses, including robotic surveying equipment and 3D laser scanners that create digital replicas of buildings and sites.

She also spoke about the variety her role offers, from balancing office and site-based work to travelling regionally and interstate and working in unique environments such as bank vaults, science laboratories and nightclubs.

One of Hannah's key pieces of advice for students interested in architecture, design or related fields was to seek out internship opportunities early to gain firsthand experience and determine whether the industry is the right fit.

Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your career journey and inspiring our students to explore the many pathways available within design, surveying and technology.

Our teachers are at the heart of every learning experience, guiding, encouraging and inspiring students each day. While every teacher's journey into education is unique, they are united by a shared passion for helping young people grow in confidence, curiosity and capability.

In this special article, we hear from both experienced and early career teachers as they reflect on what first inspired them to pursue teaching and what continues to make the profession so meaningful. From lifelong passions and influential mentors to the joy of building relationships with students, their stories offer a genuine insight into the people who shape learning at Santa Maria every day.

Link to the article is in the comments. 👇

As part of our student leadership program, our Year 10 leaders recently met with our Principal, Jennifer Oaten and their Dean, Gemma Beekink, to explore what effective leadership looks like and to prepare for the year ahead.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact they make across the College community.

It is not everyday we have all the house mums here at boarding.

Today, during our Professional Development Day, the team came together to share ideas, build on their knowledge, and explore resources focused on supporting students through homesickness and keeping our senior boarders engaged and connected throughout their boarding journey.

These opportunities for collaboration are invaluable, ensuring our boarding team continues to provide the highest level of care, support and encouragement for every student who calls our boarding house home.

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Not every girl needs a title to grow into a remarkable young woman.

In her latest blog, our Principal Jennifer Oaten writes openly about being the quiet, thoughtful girl at school, the one who was never picked for the speeches or named in assembly, and how that path still led her to leading a community of more than 1,300 students.

It is a thoughtful read for any parent who has wondered whether their reserved, considered daughter is missing something. She is not. She may simply be growing slowly, and on her own timing.

Jennifer explores the quiet pressure many families feel, what adolescent girls are already carrying, and five practical things parents can do to support the daughter they actually have.

Read "Not Every Girl Needs to Be a Leader" here: https://santamaria.wa.edu.au/quiet-girls-leadership-school/

Wishing all our students and families a relaxing and enjoyable midterm break!

We hope you take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. Enjoy the WA Day celebrations and stay safe over the long weekend. 🌟

Some sporting achievements deserve more than a result in the moment. They deserve a place on the wall. 🏆

Our new sport honour boards in the McDonald Building now proudly display our IGSSA pennants and celebrate the students who have represented the College in 20 or more teams and events through the 20s Club.

If you are a Senior student and think you may be eligible for the 20s Club, please complete the nomination form link:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KXny1iqa1F

From volunteering at St Patrick’s Kitchen as a student to leading public health initiatives in the Philippines, Santa Maria College past student Jessica Pinto (2016) is making a meaningful impact through nursing, service, and global health.

Since graduating, Jessica has built a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital while continuing to give back through volunteering both locally and overseas. Her story is a powerful reminder of how compassion, courage, and service can shape a life and career.

Read Jessica’s inspiring alumni spotlight. Link in the comments

Earlier this week, our Principal, Jennifer Oaten, had the pleasure of welcoming two Sisters of Mercy for ‘a comfortable cup of tea’, as Catherine McAuley our foundress would say.

We were honoured to welcome Sister Carmel Wringe and Sister Janina Pascoe from the Institute of Sisters of Mercy. Their visit was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our rich Mercy tradition and the stories of the work of the Sisters of Mercy that inspire our school community each day.

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