A Brief History of OGA Reunions
Arguably the best thing about our OGA is our sense of ongoing connection to one another and the school. And our Reunions!
OGA Blog
Farewell Libby Wilkes – Jennifer Oaten
The College Advisory Council is a group composed of parents, a young alumni member, a Mercy Sister and individuals who bring different talents and diverse skillsets to our College management.
Introducing Our Old Girls Association Committee – Gwen Wood (Berrigan, 1963)
Gwen Wood has been a long time member of the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association, President from 2008 – 2011, and current Treasurer.
Wedding Bells at the Chapel
Lauren Martelli married Michael Buzzo on 31 October 2020. They were finally able to relocate to WA just in time for their wedding!
Rest In Peace Sister Marg
This week, our beloved Sister of Mercy, Sister Marg Lipsett passed into the hands of God after 17 years of service to our College.
Churchill Fellowship Scholarship Recipient
Sarah Joyce (1999) was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore how health systems can innovate to reduce their environmental footprint.
OGA President’s Report October 2020
In our October edition Gemma talks about the leaving Class of 2020 wonderful end celebrations and the much anticipated Golden Girls Luncheon.
Foundation Student Shares Family History
June Shenton Turner was a foundation student of the College in 1938 and has recently published a book about her family. A copy was presented to College this week.
A Look at Leavers’ Celebrations
A look back at leavers celebrations from 1938 to 2020 sees many changes, from a formal Debutante Ball to a Graduation cocktail party.
Class of ’60 Celebrates 60
The Class of 1960 reunited to celebrate sixty years with a lovely morning tea hosted by Janice Lillis (Knipe).
Julie-Anne Norrish (2014) drafted to West Coast Eagles
Congratulations to Julie-Anne Norrish who has been selected for the West Coast Eagles AFLW for 2021. It is a lifelong dream come true.
Weddings Start Again
Lia Pascoe (2014) married James Sly. This wedding was a long-awaited celebration due to COVID restrictions.
Life Lessons with a Lunch Box – Ella Gorringe (2016)
Ella Gorringe spoke to the Year 7 girls about her friendships during her years at the College and gave them some great advice.
Thank You Letter To Catherine McAuley
I write this letter to you to say thank you to you, Catherine McAuley! We are so grateful to you for what we know as Mercy today. Without your opening of the House of Mercy in Dublin in September 1827, we may not exist as a thriving school community, for educating girls in the Mercy tradition which opened in 1938.
OGA President’s Report September 2020
In our September edition, Gemma Varone talks about the wonderful achievements of two of our Santa Maria College alumni.
Going to The Chapel…
Many of our alumni chose to get married at the Santa Maria College Chapel and it holds a very special meaning for them.
Former Student Announced as United Nations Youth Ambassador for 2021
Former student Lucy Stronach (2013) has been announced as the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations for 2021.
Congratulations to Madeline Orifici (2005)
Madeline Orifici married Stephen Bettella on 30 November 2019 surrounded by her family and friends, including many other Santa Maria alumni.
A Little Bit About the Santa Maria College Chapel
The Santa Maria Chapel is the heart of the College and our community. It has been in continuous use since 1955 until the COVID restrictions of this year.
Connecting Learning to Life
We want our girls to go out into the world and have the skills to solve problems such as breast cancer. They may not find a cure for cancer, but there are many ways, through creative thinking and problem solving that new ideas can change the quality of life for others or the quality of our world.
Introducing Our Committee – Claire Hales
Meet committee member Claire Hales (Barrett-Lennard 1996)
Creating A Love Of Science
Growing up on a farm, Science surrounded me as a little girl. From calves being born to our pet kangaroo, to planting vegetables, understanding the importance of the weather, firebreaks or dung beetles, the processes of preserving fruit and jams and the benefits of fixing or modifying what you have, rather than buying new.
Women Leaders As Role Models – Jennifer Oaten
Principal Jennifer Oaten asks what makes a leader and what attributes make a woman a worthy role model for our girls?
OGA President’s Report August 2020
Our Biennial General Meeting was held last week and two new members were appointed to the committee. Welcome to Fleur Dias and Mary-Anne Romano.
Meet our College Sacristan Yvonne Hickling (Stewart, 1962)
Yvonne Hickling has been the College Sacristan since 2009 and active member of the Old Girl’s Association for many years.
The Evolution of the Santa Maria Sports Uniform
We invite you to have a look back through the years at the changing sports uniforms, worn by students since the College opened in 1938.
Introducing our Old Girl’s Association Committee – Gemma Varone (2009)
Gemma Varone joined OGA Committee at the beginning of 2017 and found it a great way to reconnect with the SMC community and was elected President in 2018.
Growth – Jennifer Oaten
As parents, many of us have taught our children how to drive and witnessed their growth. It requires constant feedback and encouragement.
Soprano Pia Harris (2001) Shares her Life and Career Highlights
Pia Harris (2001) is an internationally acclaimed Australian/Italian soprano opera singer. She trained with the English National Opera and has sung with Opera Australia, Opera Holland Park London, and the New York Lyric Opera.
Create The Change – Jennifer Oaten
In developing the path forward in any organisation, it is vital that all members have a voice and their voice is valued. We have taken this belief into our process for the development of the next College Strategic Plan.