20 Years of Service – Honouring Commitment at Santa Maria College
In a world where career paths are increasingly fluid and job changes are the norm, reaching a milestone of 20 years with one organisation is something truly worth celebrating. At the end of 2025 we acknowledged five staff members who each marked 20 years of dedicated service to the College, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about commitment, connection and community.
Celebrating Two Decades of Dedication
Staff celebrating 20 years of service were:
Karen Bickerton, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tanya Greenway, Education Assistant – Enrichment
Amanda Huxtable, Head of Dance & Drama
Julie Schubert, Dean of Students – Year 9
Janette Vetten, Former Finance Officer – Payroll
Twenty years in education represents a deep sense of vocation, lived out through service to others and a shared belief in the mission of Santa Maria College. It is faith in action, shown through daily acts of care, patience, encouragement and presence, often unseen but always deeply felt.
In an era where long-term service has become increasingly rare, this level of commitment reflects something enduring. It speaks to a workplace where people feel valued, supported and called to make a difference.
A Meaningful Farewell and a Lasting Legacy
For one of these staff members, the milestone of 20 years also marked the conclusion of a distinguished career, making the moment even more significant.
Jan Vetten retired at the end of 2025 and shared what she will miss most about Santa Maria.
“I know I will miss the sense of purpose that came with going to work each day, the chance to use my mind, and the strong community spirit that makes the College such a special place.”
Jan also fondly remembers working at the College while her daughters were students, and then working alongside her daughter, Penny, for 12 years, something she will always cherish.
“The friendships I formed, the laughter, the sense of belonging, these are things that will always stay with me.”
Belonging Beyond the Classroom
Julie Schubert reflected on the sense of community that has shaped her time at the College.
“Over my years at the College, Santa Maria has not just been a workplace, it has meant being part of a wider community which has been such a big part of my life, both professionally and personally. I have had the privilege of teaching many students over the years, working with some amazing colleagues and being a part of the wider College community.”
Growth Through Care and Inclusion
Tanya Greenway has seen many changes over her 20 years at Santa Maria.
“I have had the privilege of witnessing teaching and learning from a unique perspective as an Education Assistant. During this time, I have seen staff become more skilled at identifying students at educational risk and more creative in adapting and modifying lessons to ensure equitable access for all.”
She reflected on how evolving practices have supported student confidence and belonging.
“As practices and mindsets have evolved, many students who once struggled have grown in confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging. This growth is reflected in the expansion of the Enrichment Department from two staff members to a team of six, and in a shared College-wide commitment to nurturing, embracing and celebrating student differences.”
Inspiring Courage Through Creativity
After teaching in the drama space for 20 years, it is the students who continue to inspire Amanda Huxtable every day.
“Their willingness to be vulnerable by stepping up to perform, to be seen, to take risks in front of their peers is something I never take for granted.”
She spoke of the power of drama to shape confidence and empathy.
“I am constantly energised by the way students use drama to share their views on the world, and by witnessing how their thinking, empathy and confidence evolve through the creative process.”
“There are few moments more powerful than watching students reach their potential on stage in front of a full audience. Those moments, when courage meets growth through creativity, continue to fuel my passion for Performing Arts education.”
Evolving Roles in a Changing World
Karen Bickerton began her Santa Maria journey as College Receptionist before being invited to move into the newly established Community Relations Department, forming a team of two. Today, that team has grown to seven.
Reflecting on her role as Marketing and Communications Coordinator, she shared how her role has changed over the years.
“I think the biggest change has come in just the last two years with the introduction of AI. Our team now uses AI every day, helping us work smarter and more efficiently. It has been such a privilege to grow alongside the College over the past 20 years.”
Recognising Every Milestone
Alongside our 20-years of service recipients, we also proudly celebrated staff who reached 10 and 15 years of service. Each year of service represents a generous commitment to our students, our community and our shared mission.
10 Years of Service
Margo Bastow, Director of Community Relations
Kate Goes, Health & Physical Education Teacher
Fan Li, Mathematics Teacher
Karen MacDonald, Boarding Housemother
Kristy Herbert, Visual Arts Teacher
Jo Ryan, Dean of Students – Years 5 and 6
15 Years of Service
Peter Hanbidge, Dean of Students – Year 12
Jayne Kingwell, Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning
Emily Nugent, Head of Home Economics
Jennifer Oaten, Principal
Charmaine Samuels, Science Teacher
Anita Sprigg, Head of Physical Education
Iain Zucaro, English Teacher
A Culture Where People Choose to Stay
That so many of our staff choose to build long careers at Santa Maria College is a powerful reflection of our culture. Grounded in faith, community and the Mercy values that underpin all we do, the College is a place where relationships matter and where individuals are encouraged to grow, both professionally and personally.
- Catholic School Community, Education Careers, Featured, Long Service Recognition, Mercy Values In Action, Santa Maria College Staff, School Culture, Staff Milestones
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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