Breaking Ground! An Exciting Milestone
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.
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!
- ArtsEducation, CommunityEngagement, Creativity, Cultural Centre, Dance, Featured, music, PerformingArts
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.
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