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 »
Teachers choose education for many different reasons, including inspiring mentors, a love of learning, and the opportunity to support young people. In this article, experienced and early career teachers from Santa Maria College share what first inspired them to teach and what continues to make the profession meaningful. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, curiosity, encouragement and community in education.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Starting out in teaching is exciting, but it can also feel like a lot at once. This story shares how Santa Maria College supports early career teachers through mentoring, professional learning, and practical guidance that strengthens teaching and benefits students every day.
How Santa Maria College Supports Early Career Teachers to Thrive Read More »
Santa Maria College’s new Head of Digital Innovation and AI, Caitlin Caputi, shares her journey into education, her passion for digital learning, and her vision for helping students and staff confidently navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.
Meet Our Head of Digital Innovation and AI, Caitlin Caputi Read More »
For 50 years, Fatima Horta has quietly shaped the heart of Santa Maria College through faith, service and extraordinary care. Discover the story behind the woman whose kindness has touched generations of Mercy women.
Celebrating 50 Years – A Calling, Not Just a Career Read More »
In 2026, our College-wide focus on Time for Learning is strengthening teaching practice and maximising every lesson. Through research-based professional learning and shared instructional leadership, we’re creating classrooms where students are deeply engaged and supported to thrive.
Teaching and Learning in 2026: Making Time for Learning Read More »
What does it mean to come full circle? Alumni Georgia Portlock returns to Santa Maria College as a teacher, bringing the values, memories and sense of belonging that shaped her own journey back into the classroom for today’s students.
From Student to Teacher – Georgia Portlock (2020) Read More »
What does 20 years of service really mean? Meet the Santa Maria staff whose long-standing commitment reflects the heart, faith and community spirit of the College.
20 Years of Service – Honouring Commitment at Santa Maria College Read More »
From the UK via Muscat to Perth, Year 5 teacher Lindsey Fitzgerald brings global experience, joy and creativity to her classroom. Discover what drives her passion for empowering young girls to flourish.
Lindsey Fitzgerald’s Global Journey to Empowering Young Girls Read More »
Amanda Crossley, our Head of Library, shares how today’s libraries are thriving hubs of curiosity, creativity, and innovation. Learn how her team is inspiring students to read, research, and think critically in a rapidly changing digital world.
Beyond Books: Amanda Crossley at Santa Maria College Read More »
From classroom whiteboards in her childhood bedroom to Year 6 at Doyle, Kate Warchomij’s teaching journey has come full circle. A proud Santa Maria graduate, Kate shares what drew her back to the College, the moments that make teaching meaningful, and how she finds joy beyond the classroom.
From a Santa Girl to Miss W Read More »
From kids’ camps in New Zealand to leading Health and PE at Santa Maria, Anita Sprigg’s journey is full of purpose. Discover how she’s helping our girls grow stronger, inside and out.
Helping Girls Find Their Strength – Meet Anita Sprigg Read More »
At Santa Maria, our Health & PE staff do not just talk about fitness, they live it. From footy fields to cross-country trails, discover how they model the power of lifelong movement for students every day.
They Live What They Teach – The Lifelong Power of Movement Read More »
From backyard cricket to boarder life, Derek Smith brings real-world wisdom and warm-hearted teaching to Santa Maria. Discover how this father, fast bowler, and faith educator connects classroom life with compassion.
Faith, Fatherhood & Fast Bowling with Derek Smith Read More »
Curious minds and courageous hearts. Meet Ailsa Harris, our inspiring Head of Science. From Welsh rock pools to WA’s coral reefs, she’s turning classrooms into launchpads for future scientists and changemakers.
Ocean, Curiosity & Courage – Ailsa Harris Inspires Future Scientists Read More »
Kim Christie took on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon with the same determination she brings to our students’ learning. Discover how this inspiring educator balances challenge, community and compassion.
Kim Christie – Striding Towards Excellence Read More »
What makes Year 5 such a powerful year for growth? Hear directly from our inspiring teachers about the moments that matter most -and why this year is the perfect time for girls to thrive, connect and discover who they are.
Year 5 – Where Bravery Begins and Bonds Are Built Read More »
What happens when staff become the students? A lot of learning, laughter, and powerful reflection. From walking the Whadjuk trail to tackling AI in education, our Professional Learning Day challenged and inspired us all. Discover how Santa Maria educators are learning with heart, and what that means for our students’ future.
Staff Professional Learning Day Brings New Perspectives Read More »
Say “ciao” to Michele Monti, our new Head of Languages! With global experience and a passion for culture, she’s bringing fresh energy to Italian at Santa Maria. Curious about her travel tales and plans for students? Meet Michele now!
Welcoming Michele Monti – Our New Head of Languages Read More »
Ever wondered what makes a classroom truly inclusive for neurodiverse students? Hear firsthand from students and discover the practical tools now available in our new Staff PL Hub, it’s changing the game for educators!
Educators Supporting Neurodiverse Students Read More »
Meet Craig Jordan, SMC’s passionate woodwork teacher, who’s inspiring students to pick up tools with confidence! From his journey into woodworking to the impact he’s making in the classroom, Craig is shaping more than just furniture, he’s shaping futures. Read more about his story!
Meet Our Woodwork Teacher – Craig Jordan! Read More »
Some of life’s best moments happen around the table, and Maddison Hughes’ Gathered Table exhibition captures just that. Now on display at Madalena’s Bar in South Fremantle, this collection celebrates the beauty in everyday gatherings. Take a moment to reflect and experience the warmth of shared meals.
Maddison Hughes – ‘Gathered Table’ Exhibition Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Library team is embracing AI literacy, ensuring students develop skills to question, evaluate, and use AI responsibly. Through the SHIFT framework, they teach students to fact-check AI content, recognize bias, and verify information, preparing them for a digital world where AI is a tool, not a substitute for critical thinking.
Leading the Way in AI Literacy Read More »
Santa Maria College is redefining how girls engage with mathematics through Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom approach. With vertical whiteboards, collaborative problem-solving, and student-led learning, The Maths Hub inspires confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of maths.
Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Mathematics Read More »
