News Blog

News Blog

A mother listens to her daughter as they walk behind prospective families touring Santa Maria College.

Should Children Choose Their School? – Jennifer Oaten

Children should have a meaningful voice in major decisions, but the final responsibility should remain with adults when a choice is beyond their developmental capacity. Parents can listen carefully, acknowledge concerns and offer age-appropriate choices within clear boundaries while retaining responsibility for decisions such as school choice. As children mature, the decisions they are ready to own can expand.

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Teenage girl lying on her bed at night using a smartphone, lit by the soft glow of the screen and warm bedroom lights.

She Is Not Just Using AI For Homework – Jennifer Oaten

Young people are using AI for personal and social reasons as well as schoolwork. Australian research cited in the article found that 54% of children who had used AI had used it for personal or social reasons, while 32% had shared personal or sensitive information. Families can help by discussing how AI is used, setting clear privacy boundaries and keeping trusted human conversations accessible.

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Head Girl Santa Maria College 2027

Learning To Lead – Jennifer Oaten

Girls leadership development grows through real responsibility, participation and everyday opportunities to act for others. At Santa Maria College, formal leadership roles are one part of a broader approach that helps students build confidence by speaking up, contributing and leading in daily school life. Families can support this growth by giving girls meaningful responsibility, recognising small acts of leadership and encouraging activities where they can practise.

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In Your Head Conference – Inspiring Our Mental Health Ambassadors

The In Your Head Conference helps young people build their understanding of mental health and develop practical strategies to support wellbeing. Santa Maria College’s Mental Health Ambassadors explored topics including resilience, stress, self-compassion and healthy conversations, with a focus on bringing their learning back to their peers.

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Two junior students sit facing each other in a sunlit window alcove, sharing lunch and mid-conversation while classmates gather below.

When Friendships Change – Jennifer Oaten

Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour involving a power imbalance, while friendship conflict can involve disagreements, changing friendship groups or moments of unkindness without all three elements. Parents can look at how long the behaviour has continued, whether the same person is involved and whether their daughter feels able to respond. Santa Maria supports friendship conflict through skill-building, conversation and mediation, while bullying receives clear consequences, structured support and follow-up.

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