Building a Sisterhood – Jennifer Oaten
As both the principal and an alumni of Santa Maria College, I know firsthand the extraordinary value of our sisterhood. I joined the College as a boarder in Year 8, and from that moment, I found myself surrounded by a community that has played an important role throughout my life. The friendships I made during my school years have lasted a lifetime and continue to enrich my life today.
This experience is not unique to me; it is the essence of what Santa Maria represents. Our school is more than just a place of learning; it is a place where deep, meaningful connections are made that last well beyond graduation and continue to shape our lives in profound ways.
A Unique Bond That Lasts a Lifetime
From their first day on campus, our students become part of a vibrant and supportive community. This is not just about friendships that last through school; it is about forming connections that continue to thrive long after graduation. Our alumni are not just former students—they are a sisterhood who bring their unique perspectives and experiences back to enrich the lives of current students.
We see this sisterhood in action during special events like our Empower programs, International Women’s Day, and our Sisterhood Series. Alumni return to Santa Maria not just as guests but as mentors and role models who provide insights, share their journeys, and inspire our students to reach their full potential.
Inspiring Through Shared Stories
When our alumni speak, they do more than offer career advice—they share real-life stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership. These narratives give our students a broader perspective on what is possible and help them envision their own futures. As Dannii Veldsman (Class of 2010) beautifully put it, “Paramedicine wasn’t a career I considered back in my school days. You hear a lot about nursing and medicine, but paramedicine offers an exciting and rewarding pathway in healthcare. I’ve loved sharing my passion with the students and can’t help but think that if someone had come to speak about it when I was their age, I might have realised sooner that being a paramedic was my dream job. Hopefully, I’ve inspired some of them to join me in green.”
These moments create a two-way street of learning and inspiration. Alumni feel uplifted by the enthusiasm and interest of the younger generation, while students are motivated by the successes and experiences of those who came before them.
A Tradition of Shared Values and Global Connections
Our sisterhood is grounded in the values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Excellence. These principles shape who we are as a community and guide our actions. Alumni return to share how these values have influenced their personal and professional lives, inspiring current students to embrace them in their own journeys.
It is incredible that 22 current staff are Alumni and that positions advertised attract many Alumni applications. This is data supports the strong sense of community that we speak about and the connection many of our students feel beyond graduation.
This bond is not confined to our campus or even our country—it spans the globe. Our alumni network offers an incredible range of connections and opportunities for students, whether they are looking for mentorship, internships, or simply a friendly face in a new city. It is a global sisterhood, proving that no matter where life takes them, Santa Maria women are never alone.
Creating a Lasting Impact Together
We are proud of the powerful sisterhood we have built—a community that continues to grow stronger every day. This is not just a network; it is a living, breathing community of empowered women who support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and work together to create a brighter future.
We invite our alumni to stay connected, share their stories, and continue being an essential part of our community. Together, we can empower the next generation of young women to achieve their fullest potential.
- alumni, Community, Featured, Mentorship, OldGirlsAssociation, SchoolValues, Sisterhood
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.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 3, Week 3
Celebrating Visual Art at Santa Maria – Art Day 2026
