A Night of Memories and Milestones – 2026 OGA Reunion
From graduates just five years out to those celebrating fifty years since finishing school, the recent 2026 Old Girls’ Association (OGA) Reunion welcomed more than 250 Alumni.
It was an evening filled with familiar faces, unmistakable feeling of nostalgia and laughter. The night brought together generations of Santa Maria women, all connected by shared experiences and lifelong friendships.
The Alumni Tour
The evening began with a tour of the College, offering alumni the chance to see classrooms, walk familiar pathways and see how the campus has grown and evolved. For many, it was their first visit back in years. While much has changed and more is to come, there was comfort in seeing how the heart of the College remains the same.
Following the tours, alumni gathered for drinks and canapés. Friends reconnected with ease, stories were shared, and laughter filled the space.
Reflections Across the Decades
In her address, Principal Jennifer Oaten, reflected on memories across the decades, highlighting just how much has changed over time. She spoke of a cohort who celebrated their Ball, only to enter lockdown the very next day and start the year with online learning, a truly unprecedented chapter in the College’s history.
She also recalled earlier eras, from the rise of MySpace as the newest way to connect online, to a time when internet and email access were limited at the College to just five shared computers. Milestones such as the opening of key facilities, memorable fashion trends and proud sporting achievements were woven throughout. Each moment a snapshot of its time and a reminder of how the College has grown and evolved.
A Community That Continues
As the evening drew to a close, one message was clear. Buildings may change, technology may advance and fashions may come and go, but the connection to Santa Maria College continues.
The 2026 OGA Reunion was a celebration of shared history, lasting friendships and a community that continues to welcome its alumni back with open arms. We look forward to many more reunions and to continuing to celebrate the stories that connect generations of Santa Maria women.
- Alumni Connections, Alumni Events Perth, Catholic Girls’ School Alumni, Featured, Mercy Education, OGA Reunion, Santa Maria College alumni, Santa Maria College community, Santa Maria College History
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.
Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
Santa Maria College alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the College’s new Cultural Centre, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the role of the arts in the community. The evening featured performances by current students and a 42-member Alumni Choir, highlighting the lifelong connections and shared experiences that continue to bring Old Girls back to the College.
From the President – August 2026
The August 2026 Old Girls’ Association President’s Report provides an update on upcoming meetings and alumni activities at Santa Maria College. President Mary Heavens outlines plans for the Pleiades Gathering, the inaugural Santa Maria College and Aquinas social event, and the Golden Girls’ lunch welcoming the Class of 1976.
Sophia, Building Beauty, Confidence and a Business
Santa Maria past student Sophia Whimp (2022) has built a successful home beauty business by combining creativity, resilience and a commitment to authentic client relationships. In this Q&A, she reflects on the lessons she learned at school, the challenges of starting a business at a young age, and the advice she has for students hoping to turn their passion into a career.
Strive9 – Year 9 Students Decide What Is Worth Speaking Up For
Languages Day Celebrates Culture, Connection and Community
