The pressure to be everything can leave young women feeling that no amount of effort is ever enough. This article argues that the real issue is not simply a full schedule, but the expectation to keep adding more in order to feel successful. It suggests that choosing fewer commitments and going deeper can support confidence, self-knowledge and wellbeing.
The Pressure To Be Everything – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Santa Maria College past student Jessica Pinto (2016) has built a career centred on compassion, service, and global health. Inspired by her volunteering experiences at school, Jessica went on to become a Registered Nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital and completed a Master of Public Health. Through her ongoing volunteer work locally and overseas, including a community health project in the Philippines, Jessica continues to embody the spirit of “Giving Back with Heart.”
Jessica Pinto (2016) – Giving Back with Heart Read More »
Santa Maria College in Perth has a long-established performing arts community centred on choir, ensemble, and performance. Madison Pinto (2024) shared how the music department was a formative space for her building resilience, empathy, and confidence.
Madison Pino – Can’t Stop the Music Read More »
Not every girl needs to hold a formal leadership role at school to be growing well. This article explains that quiet, thoughtful girls often contribute in meaningful ways through friendship, study, creativity and character, and that confidence and influence may develop later in life. It encourages parents to recognise what their daughter is already doing, rather than measuring her against visible leadership roles.
Not Every Girl Needs to Be a Leader – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Class of 2024 graduate, Ellie was recognised as the Young Volunteer of WA for her work with Citizens Advice Bureau WA and Lightbulb Skills. While studying Law and Commerce, she created a Criminal Injuries Compensation Handbook to make legal processes more accessible for people navigating trauma. Ellie credits Santa Maria’s Service Learning program with inspiring her passion for volunteering, advocacy and community impact.
Ellie Vrankovich – Creating Change Through Compassion and Advocacy Read More »
The joint Aquinas and Santa Maria alumni event will be held on Friday 18 September 2026. It is being organised by the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association Committee in partnership with Aquinas College and will bring together alumni from both Colleges for an evening of reconnecting, conversation, drinks, and light refreshments.
Save the Date – Joint Aquinas College & Santa Maria College Event Read More »
We are launching our 2026 Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series with an evening featuring distinguished past student Dr Carmen Lawrence. The event includes a special Q&A session exploring her career in psychology, politics, education, and social change. It will be held at Santa Maria College on Wednesday 10 June from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm.
Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series with Dr Carmen Lawrence Read More »
Marie-Anne Keeffe (1986) is a past student of Santa Maria College whose school years helped shape her path in journalism, communications and leadership. The article shares how supportive teachers, a love of storytelling, and personal resilience gave her the confidence to build a career in media, public service and advocacy. It also highlights her advice to students about self-belief, kindness and persistence.
Marie-Anne Keeffe – A Life in Storytelling Read More »
Watching students grow up shows that young people need to feel seen, supported and believed in as they develop. The article explains that friendship, parental presence, challenge, kindness, character and gradual confidence all play a lasting role in how students grow. It also reminds families that ordinary daily moments often matter more than they realise.
What Watching Students Grow Up Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Olivia Taliangis’ dance journey is a story of persistence, mentorship, and growth. A Santa Maria graduate from the Class of 2022, she overcame self-doubt, completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts at WAAPA in 2025, and now works as a performer, choreographer, and dance teacher. Her story shows how trusted teachers and a strong sense of purpose can help a young person keep going when they are close to giving up.
Olivia Taliangis – The Girl Who Never Walked Away Read More »
Cyberbullying among teenage girls often happens within existing friendship groups rather than between strangers. Online communication can remove the emotional cues that normally shape empathy and restraint, making hurtful comments easier to send. Group chats and screenshots also give words a permanence that can intensify conflict and damage relationships. The article encourages parents to discuss empathy, accountability and respectful communication with their daughters before they press send.
She Would Never Say That to Her Face – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Female role models for girls help shape identity, belonging and emotional wellbeing. This article explains that daughters learn not only from their mothers, but also from the wider circle of women around them, including relatives, friends, mentors and boarding staff. It argues that these everyday relationships quietly influence how girls see themselves and what they come to value.
The Women We Keep Close – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Karen Abercromby (Santa Maria College, Class of 1980) is a Cultural Heritage Planner at the City of Perth with over 35 years of experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. Her work involves assessing the cultural significance of historic places and working with communities and traditional owners to conserve them for future generations. Her career began with a childhood fascination with a heritage farmhouse in Como and was deepened by cultural geography studies at Santa Maria College. She now leads heritage conservation initiatives for the City of Perth, including work connected to the founding convent of the Sisters of Mercy.
The Geography of Heart – Karen Abercromby (1980) Read More »
Quiet time is essential for teenage girls because it supports mental processing, identity formation, and emotional wellbeing. Without constant stimulation from devices, the brain can reflect, connect ideas, and settle. Research shows excessive passive screen use is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, making regular moments of stillness increasingly important.
The Quiet That Changes Everything – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Santa Maria College alumni can look forward to several upcoming events in 2026. These include a joint alumni event with Aquinas College later in the year, a movie night at Windsor Theatre Nedlands in late July, and the Pleiades Meeting hosted at Santa Maria College in August. The update also encourages support for the College’s Winter Appeal.
From the President – May 2026 Read More »
Valentina Raffal’s career change story shows how she moved from corporate banking into building a jewellery business with her sister. After travelling and becoming a mother, she prioritised flexibility and family, using her transferable skills to grow a successful brand. Her journey highlights that career paths can evolve over time and success is defined individually.
From Corporate Climb to Creative Calling: Valentina Raffal (2004) Read More »
Santa Maria College is inviting alumni to submit an expression of interest to speak in the 2026 Explore8 program. Explore8 is a real-world learning experience for Year 8 students focused on research, problem solving and innovation in response to community and global challenges. Guest speakers help students connect ideas to lived experience by sharing their career journeys, challenges and impact.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026 Read More »
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a registered music therapist to support health, functioning and wellbeing. In this alumni story, Tara Del Borrello explains how music therapy can help infants, children and young people with regulation, communication, rehabilitation and recovery. Her journey shows how a creative background can lead to meaningful work in healthcare.
Tara Del Borrello’s Music Therapy Journey Read More »
Save the Date! Golden Girls’ Luncheon – Saturday 31 October 2026. We are delighted to announce that the much-loved Golden Girls’ Luncheon will return this year.
Save the Date – 2026 Golden Girls’ Luncheon Read More »
Social media misinformation affects teenagers because algorithms reward attention, emotion and repetition rather than truth. Parents can help by discussing where information comes from, checking reliable sources together and encouraging deep reading. Santa Maria College supports students to evaluate sources and understand how algorithms shape what they see online.
The Truth And Lies In Social Feeds Read More »
For Therese Mavros (1986), the stage at Santa Maria was more than a place to perform. Her story reflects how the arts shape confidence, connection and lasting memories, while inviting alumni to help create those same opportunities in the new Cultural Centre.
Therese Mavros: The Stage Stays With You Read More »
Family meals can support girls’ wellbeing by strengthening connection, resilience and mental health. The article explains that shared meals are not mainly about food, but about creating regular, unhurried time for daughters to feel known, heard and part of the family. It encourages families to protect this rhythm during the holidays, when there is more room for meaningful conversation.
Why Family Meals Matter for Girls’ Wellbeing – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
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.
Presidents Report – April 2026 Read More »
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.
A New Chapter in Santa Maria’s Cultural Story Read More »
Santa Maria past student Jemima Reid (2018) is earning major recognition in the resources industry, recently named Outstanding Young Woman in Resources for 2026. Her story of resilience, leadership and practical advice for young women makes this a powerful and timely read.
Jemima Recognised as Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Read More »
Class of 2025 graduate Tenille Pretorius has been selected to perform at Performing Arts Perspectives, one of Western Australia’s most prestigious student arts showcases. Her achievement reflects years of dedication to dance and the strong support of Santa Maria’s performing arts program.
Tenille Selected to Perform at Performing Arts Perspectives Read More »
Outdoor education for girls helps build resilience, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. This article explains that camp experiences give girls genuine challenge, time in nature and opportunities to work things out for themselves. It argues these moments are especially valuable in a world where many young people have less unstructured outdoor time.
Where The Outdoors Can Take Them – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Research shows many girls stop playing sport around age 15, often because of study pressure, body image concerns, and the feeling that sport matters less for them.
Why Girls Stop Playing Sport – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Danielle Cattalini’s story is one of service, strong community ties and saying yes to a challenge that matters. From Santa Maria student to parent, board member and Cancer Council fundraiser, her journey shows how Mercy values continue to shape life beyond school.
From Santa to Service – Danielle’s Journey of Community, Connection and Challenge Read More »
Belonging shapes how a girl learns, connects and grows, and it often begins in the small moments of school life. This thoughtful piece explores why belonging matters for wellbeing and achievement, with practical questions parents can ask to better understand how their daughter is feeling.
Why a Sense of Belonging at School Matters – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
