Breaking Ground! An Exciting Milestone

six people in helmets and high vis jackets breaking ground at Santa Maria College
L - R: Ed Hicks, Architectus, Travers Simpson, PS Structures, Jennifer Oaten, Principal, Tim Stewart, Director of Corporate Services, Annika, student, Boris Poznovia, Architectus

An exciting milestone took place last week as we broke ground on our new Cultural Centre. The turning of the first sod signalled the start of a project that promises to be the creative heart of the school – a dynamic space designed to inspire and nurture our students’ artistic talent and sense of community.

A New Era for Creativity & Connection

Our new Cultural Centre is more than just a building; it’s a space where creativity will thrive, and students will have the opportunity to express themselves in a variety of ways. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including a state-of-the-art auditorium, a dance studio, and a Blackbox theatre, this centre will give our girls the tools to explore the arts like never before. Additionally, flexible spaces within the centre will allow for exhibitions, performances, and celebrations of all forms of creative expression.

Principal Jennifer Oaten’s Vision

Principal Jennifer Oaten captured the excitement of the moment during the ceremony:

“Our new Cultural Centre will be a place where creativity knows no bounds. It will offer our students countless opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, and foster a strong sense of community. We cannot wait to see this vision come to life and watch our students shine!”

Her words reflect the spirit of the centre – a place designed to encourage girls to discover their passions, develop their skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.

six people in helmets and high vis jackets breaking ground at Santa Maria College
Staff, students and architects at the groundbreaking ceremony

A Hub for the Entire Santa Maria Community

Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the Cultural Centre will be a vibrant hub not just for students but for our entire College community. Staff, parents, and alumni will also have the opportunity to engage with the space, bringing everyone together in a shared celebration of the arts. This new centre embodies our commitment to nurturing young women who are not only creative and confident but also ready to make a positive impact on the world.

We look forward with great anticipation to the day when we open the doors and our students step into this new, inspiring environment. Here’s to the future of creativity at Santa Maria College – one filled with performances, exhibitions, and boundless opportunities.

Stay tuned for more updates as we watch this incredible vision come to life!

From the President – May 2026

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Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026

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