A Joyful Farewell – Year 6 Celebration Day
Our Year 6 Celebration Day was a truly special milestone. It is a chance for students, staff and families to come together in gratitude, reflection and excitement for the journey ahead. Marking the end of primary schooling is no small moment, and our girls embraced it with pride, joy and plenty of smiles.
A Beautiful Liturgy to Begin the Day
The morning began in the Chapel with a student and teacher-led liturgy, a thoughtful and moving celebration of the girls’ primary years.
To set the scene, student representatives created a sacred space, bringing forward symbolic items representing their learning, creativity, College values and faith. This simple ritual grounded the liturgy in all they have experienced and become.
Students listened to scripture readings and offered heartfelt prayers of thanks. There were moments of stillness, moments of joy, and moments of hope as they looked towards the future.
A highlight came as Chloe Nicholls (6.6) and her father, Luke, shared poems capturing the tender mix of pride, gratitude and anticipation felt by families at this stage of schooling.
Both Principal Jennifer Oaten and Dean of Year 5 and 6, Kelly Wiggett, addressed the gathering, offering encouragement, congratulations and confidence in the girls as they prepare for Year 7.
Each Year 6 student was individually acknowledged as they received their certificate, announced by their classroom teacher and presented by Mrs Oaten.
The liturgy closed with a symbolic and deeply meaningful procession: Year 6 students, led by Ms Wiggett, walked out of the Chapel together, a gesture representing both the end of their primary years and their united step forward into secondary school. They were followed by their teachers and then by their parents, a beautiful image of community supporting them as they grow.
Morning Tea with Family and Friends
The celebrations continued with a relaxed morning tea enjoyed by the students, their parents and teachers. It was a lovely opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate how far the girls have come.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
After morning tea, the students took part in their Reflection Day activities designed to help them acknowledge their growth and imagine their future.
Individuali-tree
Students first explored their personal journey through an Individuali-tree activity.
They reflected on:
- What makes them unique
- The “roots” that ground them, people, experiences and values
- How they manage worries and challenges
- The strengths that will carry them into Year 7
This thoughtful exercise helped the girls recognise how far they’ve come and what anchors them.
Vision Boards
Next came a creative session building vision boards, a fun and inspiring way for students to express their dreams, goals and the things that bring them joy.
They considered questions such as:
- What makes me happy?
- What do I love doing?
- What skills do I want to grow?
- What might my dream job be one day?
Their boards were filled with colour, optimism and plenty of imagination.
Celebration Evening
This evening, students will return to the campus in free dress to spend time enjoying each other’s company after a big year. They will share pizzas and treats from a special ice-cream cart.
A photobooth, music, dancing and games will help to keep the energy high. Parents are invited to join their daughters towards the end of the party for a dance together and to take some photos. It is a heart-warming way to end a memorable day.
Looking Ahead to Year 7
Our Year 6 Celebration Day honours not just the end of primary school, but the remarkable young people our students have become. Their curiosity, creativity, resilience and kindness have shaped their journey so far, and we know they will continue to grow as they step confidently into Year 7 in 2026.
- Catholic School Community, Celebration Day, Featured, Mercy Education, Mercy Values, Primary School Farewell, Santa Maria College events, Student Milestones, Transition to high school, Year 6 Graduation
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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