Students want an education that prepares them for life, not only exams. In this article, Santa Maria reflects on student feedback showing that young people value relationships, confidence, problem-solving, collaboration and clear learning. It also explains how the College is responding through its Connecting Learning to Life framework and emPOWER projects.
What Students Want From Their Education Today – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Term 2 closed with plenty to celebrate, from student exhibitions and reflection days to House spirit at the Athletics Carnival and Girls4Girls fundraising. This fortnightly wrap captures the learning, generosity and community moments that made the end of term so memorable.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 2, Weeks 9 & 10 Read More »
Water became the starting point for something much bigger as Year 7 students explored justice, sustainability and shared responsibility through the SEEK7 emPOWER Project. See how their ideas, teamwork and creative thinking will come to life at the SEEK7 Exhibition on 24 June.
SEEK7 Explores a World Shaped by Water Read More »
Girls4Girls Day at Santa Maria College is a student-led fundraising day that supports Mercy Works programs for girls in Papua New Guinea. The event combines community activities such as free dress, a bake sale, a sausage sizzle and a staff versus student match with a clear focus on justice and service. Funds raised help support girls’ education, safety and opportunity.
Girls4Girls Day Brought Pink, Purpose and Plenty of Heart Read More »
Year 5 spent Term 2 exploring what it means to share the planet through wetlands visits, biodiversity workshops, creative projects and student presentations. See how Fearless5 helped the girls turn curiosity into practical action for sustainability.
Sharing The Planet Through Fearless5 Read More »
Reflection Days at Santa Maria College help students explore faith, identity, relationships and purpose in age-appropriate ways. Years 7, 8 and 11 students engage in reflection, discussion and activities focused on personal growth, social justice and leadership through service. These experiences support spiritual, emotional and personal development throughout their school journey.
Reflection Days – A Journey of Faith, Identity and Growth Read More »
House pride was on full display at the 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival, as students from Years 5 to 12 gave their all in a full day of track, field and novelty events.
The 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Read More »
The fear of being judged can be a significant barrier for adolescent girls, often affecting participation, friendships, and confidence more than fear of failure itself. Research discussed in the article links this fear to loneliness and social withdrawal, especially in the early secondary years. The article encourages parents to respond with listening, honest conversation, and small steps that help girls build social courage.
It Is Not Failure They Fear; It Is Being Judged – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Five Santa Maria girls planted 540 native understory plants at Blackwall Reach Reserve, turning a Sunday morning into practical action for the environment.
Eco Sisters Put Justice Into Action At Blackwall Reach Reserve Read More »
Santa Maria girls showed determination, courage and strong team spirit at the JIGSSA and IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Alderbury Reserve on Monday 15 June.
Strong Results at the JIGSSA and IGSSA Cross Country Carnival Read More »
A visit to Hancock Iron Ore’s Remote Operations Centre gave Year 10 students a practical look at STEM careers in action, from environmental science to operations and data. It is the kind of experience that helps girls ask a bigger question: could this be part of my future?
What a Mining Excursion Can Show a Year 10 About Her Future Read More »
From sustainability projects and biodiversity learning to Interhouse High Jump and Outreach Mass, this week reflected the energy and care of life at Santa Maria College. See how students engaged in service, creativity, collaboration and action across the College community.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 2, Week 8 Read More »
Leading a major school build requires patience, clear values, and the willingness to make difficult decisions over several years. This article explains how Santa Maria College brought its new Cultural Centre to completion, from early master planning and redesign challenges to heritage preservation, teamwork, and the leadership lessons learned along the way.
What Leading a Major School Build Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Meet the new faces helping care for students at Santa Maria College, with warmth, experience, and a strong commitment to wellbeing. Get to know Katrina Campbell-Sloan and Milly Birchmore, and learn how their work helps girls feel safe, supported, and understood.
Meet the Newest Members of our Wellbeing Team Read More »
The Santa Maria College Winter Appeal supports local organisations assisting people experiencing hardship during winter. Through donations from students, families, staff and alumni, the College community provided practical support to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society and The Shopfront, helping them meet growing demand for essential items and services while reinforcing the Mercy values of Compassion and Service.
Winter Appeal Brings Comfort, Dignity and Hope Read More »
Year 6 girls made their mark at the Winter Games, bringing home multiple pennants and showing terrific teamwork across Term 2. From netball to basketball, this was a season full of growth, confidence and school pride worth celebrating.
The Year 6s Win Pennants at the 2026 Winter Games Read More »
Dr Carmen Lawrence spoke at Santa Maria College’s Sisterhood Series, sharing lessons from her journey from a Wheatbelt upbringing to becoming Australia’s first female State Premier. She discussed leadership, community participation, critical thinking and the progress women have made in public life. Alumni were encouraged to stay curious, engaged and guided by purpose.
Sisterhood Series Begins with Dr Carmen Lawrence Read More »
Our Year 12 ATAR Biology students stepped beyond the classroom at Perth Zoo, observing living systems and seeing key concepts from Units 3 and 4 in action. From fieldwork to close animal observations, the excursion made complex biological processes more immediate and meaningful.
Year 12 Biology Steps Beyond the Classroom Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Head of Visual Arts, Claire Rushton, brings deep experience, creative energy and a clear belief in the value of student voice. Read how her approach to art education helps students build confidence, skill and meaningful self-expression.
Meet Claire, Santa Maria’s Head of Visual Arts Read More »
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 »
From student performances and public speaking to service initiatives, sport and Year 12 celebrations, this week’s wrap up captures the energy of life at Santa Maria College. See how students are growing in confidence, compassion, leadership and community spirit across the College.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 6 & 7, Term 2 Read More »
Year 11 Materials Design & Technology students completed a design project that involved creating a garment for a celebrity client. Students researched their chosen celebrity’s style, preferences and needs before designing and constructing a wearable outfit. The project developed practical textile skills, pattern-making techniques and critical thinking while helping students understand the design process from concept to completion.
Designing for a Star – Year 11 MDT Students Showcase Creativity and Skill Read More »
Halfway Day gave our Year 12 students a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate how far they have come in their final year at Santa Maria College. From friendship and growth to leadership and gratitude, this milestone captured what makes the Class of 2026 so special.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating – Halfway Day 2026 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.
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 »
A new display in McDonald Hall is bringing Santa Maria’s sporting story into view, celebrating IGSSA pennants and the students whose commitment has shaped College sport. It is a meaningful way to honour participation, dedication and the pride of representing the College.
New Honour Boards Celebrate Sporting Success and Commitment Read More »
Year 11 and 12 students stepped into workplaces across education, fitness, animal care, beauty and more, putting their skills into practice beyond the classroom. Their placements offered real insight into future pathways while building confidence, initiative and professionalism.
Years 11 and 12 Work Placements: Learning in the Real World 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 »
