Boarders took centre stage in this year’s Boarding Week celebration! From dodgeball drama to sheep shearing on the oval, discover the energy, laughter, and leadership that make our boarding students such a vital part of Santa Maria.
Beat the Boarders – Bringing the Country to the City Read More »
Discover how Santa Maria College’s Year 7 boarders are embracing first-time experiences, building friendships, and finding a sense of belonging through our unique Embrace Program, weekly PJ Series, and creative connections like Colour Me Home.
Year 7 Embrace – Firsts, Friendship and Finding Your Feet Read More »
From Dowerin to Port Hedland, our boarders bring energy, diversity, and heart to campus life. Discover how Boarding Week at Santa Maria College honours their stories and the special bonds they build every day.
Meet the Boarders Who Call Santa Home Read More »
What happens when a Year 7 boarder follows in her great-grandmother’s 80-year-old footsteps? Discover the touching story of Charlotte and Joan, a family legacy stitched with memories, courage, and connection.
A Legacy of Love – Charlotte and Her GG’s Santa Maria Story Read More »
What’s it really like to send your daughter off to boarding school? Three Santa Maria mums open up about the surprising joys, emotional hurdles, and the powerful personal growth they’ve witnessed — and why they wouldn’t change a thing.
Through Our Eyes – Boarding Parents Share Their Santa Maria Experience Read More »
Two Year 12 ACCESS students, Emily and Arabella, have earned top honours at the South Metro and South Regional TAFE Awards. Discover how their passion and dedication are shaping their futures, and inspiring others!
Real Skills, Real Success – Emily & Bella’s TAFE Triumph Read More »
Year 9 student Evelyn and her mother, Susan, took part in the first Kirup Camino, a 16km pilgrimage from Kirup to Balingup. This journey offered Evelyn the chance to reconnect with teachers and friends from her primary school while sharing a memorable bonding experience with her mother amidst Western Australia’s stunning landscapes.
A Mother-Daughter Journey – The First Kirup Camino Read More »
This week, we celebrated our Year 12 boarders with a special long table dinner, a ‘Mama Mia’-themed breakfast, and an emotional farewell Mass. Each event was a special tribute, from handmade cards and karaoke fun to touching speeches of gratitude, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
Farewell To Our Year 12 Boarders Read More »
This past weekend, our Year 10 boarding students joined other Perth boarding schools for a river cruise filled with laughter, music, and the chance to reconnect with friends. From dancing to delicious food, the night was a celebration of friendship and the vibrant spirit of our boarders.
Year 10 Boarders Enjoy River Cruise Social Read More »
From early 2023 to mid-2024, Aimee Deane joined the Australian Boarding Schools Association Emerging Boarding Leaders program to enhance her leadership skills and positively impact the Santa Maria boarding community. This journey led to the creation of the Aspiring Leaders Program, a pilot initiative offering junior boarders leadership opportunities previously reserved for Year 12 students.
Nurturing Our Future Boarding Leaders Read More »
In this insightful interview, Colleen McManus, the Academic Care Coordinator at Santa Maria College, shares her vital role in ensuring academic success for boarding students. She discusses her methods of providing study support, maintaining communication, and her background as an educator. Her dedication and structured approach help boarders thrive academically.
Empowering Academic Success in Boarding Read More »
Santa Maria College boarders recently celebrated a heartwarming Christmas in July Liturgy and dinner with Aquinas, highlighting the strong bond between the two schools. Students enjoyed festive costumes, delicious Christmas-themed meals, and shared liturgies, reinforcing their friendship and sense of community. This evening showcased the values of faith and togetherness cherished by both schools.
Christmas in July: Celebrating Faith and Friendship with Aquinas Read More »
Meet the Fowler family from Esperance, who have embraced boarding life at Santa Maria College. With three daughters boarding, they share their experiences, insights, and reasons for choosing boarding and Santa Maria. Discover their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the community support that has made Santa Maria their second home.
Embracing Boarding Life: A Parent’s Perspective Read More »
Back in the day, parents used to threaten children with being sent to boarding school if they were poorly behaved. The idea was odious. It raised images of cruel adults and stark, bleak corridors leading to overcrowded dormitories. The modern reality couldn’t be further from the truth; however, some of the mythology remains. Let’s debunk some of the myths of boarding school.
5 Myths of Boarding School Read More »
Boarding schools offer a unique blend of independence, social skills, and leadership opportunities for students. From early development of life skills to a strong voice in school management, boarders thrive in a supportive community. Learn five things you may not know about boarding schools and their positive impact on students.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Boarding School Read More »
In Australia, boarding schools offer unique opportunities for rural students who lack local secondary education options. This blog explores the advantages of boarding, addressing parental concerns and highlighting the positive impact on students’ academic, social, and personal development. Insights from psychologist Jane Carmignani reveal how boarding environments foster resilience, independence, and strong relationships, ensuring that boarding is a beneficial choice for many families.
The Advantages of Boarding School Read More »
Santa Maria College, in collaboration with TAFE WA, is excited to announce the trial of a new TAFE qualification in Wool Handling.
Exciting New TAFE Qualification in Wool Handling at SMC Read More »
In an inspiring initiative to promote sustainability within boarding, Year 9 boarder Madison has taken a step towards reducing plastic waste.
Madison Leads the Charge: Eco-Friendly Beeswax Wraps in Boarding Houses Read More »
Explore the evolution of boarding school dining, where nutritious, delicious meals have replaced uninspired cafeteria fare.
Boarding Food: How Far We Have Come! Read More »
At Santa Maria College, we have over 150 boarders. This week, during Boarding Week, we celebrated them and everything they bring to the College.
Boarding Week: That’s a Wrap! Read More »
As part of Boarding Week, our boarders have presented the College with a remarkable art mural which adorns the walls outside the Cafe.
Santa Maria’s Boarding Mural: A Tapestry of Unity Read More »
Our Head Boarder, Annie and Deputy Boarder Maya are on a mission to create a vibrant and supportive environment for our boarders.
Annie and Maya Foster a Supportive Environment for Our Boarders Read More »
You might wonder what our boarders get up to outside of school. From socials to ice skating, shopping trips to footy games, there is always plenty for our boarders to do.
Boarding Adventures: A Glimpse into the Exciting Lives of Our Students Outside School Read More »
Meet Annie, Head Boarder for 2024, as she shares her aspirations for the year ahead and provides a glimpse into her love of boarding.
Introducing Annie, Head Boarder for 2024 Read More »
Our Years 7 & 8 boarders enjoyed an evening of glow-in-the-dark volleyball with students from other Perth boarding schools.
Fun, Friends, and Neon Delights for Our Boarders! Read More »
The friendships and bonds formed at boarding school often transcend time and distance. Past boarders, Claire and Sue share their experiences.
Embracing Lifelong Connections: The Bonds Formed at Boarding School Read More »
Our Years 11 and 12 boarders recently completed a Rural Fire Awareness Certificate course with Aquinas boarders.
Boarders Learn Valuable Fire Safety Skills Read More »
In a show of determination, and support for a worthy cause, some of our boarders recently participated in the annual HBF Run for a Reason.
Boarders Run for the Cancer Council Read More »
‘Colour Me Home’, a personalised mindfulness colouring book for our Year 7 boarders, aims to alleviate homesickness, foster connections, and promote understanding amongst the group.
Boarding Week launched at Santa Maria College this week, with a very special assembly hosted by our Boarding Leaders.
Boarding Week Launches at Santa Maria College Read More »
