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.
Presidents Report – April 2026
Planning is underway for the next chapter in Santa Maria’s alumni community, with updates on the Cultural Centre and the Take A Seat campaign. This April message also invites Old Girls to watch for the June opening night and reflects on the meaning of Easter.
A New Chapter in Santa Maria’s Cultural Story
Santa Maria’s new Cultural Centre is beginning to take shape, and alumni are already leaving their mark through the Take Your Seat campaign. With 128 seat dedications already received, this is a meaningful chance to honour your story and be part of what comes next.
From the President – March 2026
Our alumni community is already off to a strong start in 2026, with record reunion attendance and exciting milestones ahead, including the opening of our new Cultural Centre. Discover how the spirit of sisterhood continues to shape the Santa Maria story.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 1, Week 10
Holy Week and Easter – A Time of Renewal and Hope
