Celebrating Our Mothers – Jennifer Oaten
This morning, our College Chapel became a place of deep connection and quiet joy, as mothers and daughters gathered for the Year 7 Mother’s Day Liturgy, a celebration of love, gratitude and Mercy.
For me, this day is always one of reflection. Since my own mother’s passing, Mother’s Day has taken on deeper meaning. I think often of her quiet strength, her unconditional love, and the many sacrifices she made so that I could thrive. Like so many mothers in our community, she gave selflessly and loved without limits.
Mother’s Day is a celebration, but it can also be a time of mixed emotions. For those in our community who are grieving, separated by distance or navigating difficult relationships, we hold you in our thoughts.
Although I was not able to be there in person today, I wish to acknowledge the beauty and meaning of this event and share what it represents for us as a Mercy community.
A Celebration of Presence
The liturgy began in our Chapel, a sacred space that invites stillness and gratitude. For our Year 7 girls, it was a chance to express their love and appreciation in a way that felt deeply personal. One of the most moving moments was a video featuring each girl holding a heart with a single word she chose to describe her mother. Words such as “kind”, “selfless”, “strong”, and “funny” were offered. Sometimes one word speaks more powerfully than one hundred.
This simple yet powerful gesture reminded us that love is often found in the small things: the quiet sacrifices, the daily encouragement, the shared laughter, and the steady belief that our girls can achieve anything.
Strength in Story and Community
Mother’s Day at Santa Maria is not about grand gestures. It is about connection. It is about honouring the stories, memories and moments that shape our families and, in turn, our students. It is about building a culture where every girl understands that she is loved and supported, not only at home but at school as well.
Following the liturgy, our mothers gathered in the Community Room for morning tea. These informal moments of connection between staff, parents and students form a significant part of what makes our community strong. We do not simply educate young women; we walk alongside their families.
Carrying Mercy Forward
Our Mercy value of Hospitality calls us to ensure that everyone feels seen, known and welcomed. Today’s celebration embodied that spirit: mothers being honoured, girls feeling proud, and all present being reminded of the enduring strength of love. These moments are where Mercy is lived quietly, generously, and together.
We also recognise that mothering is not just biological. It is emotional, spiritual and practical. Today we honour all those in our community who take on this role with compassion and care.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and carers in our community, thank you. Whether your daughter is in Year 7 or Year 12, please know that the seeds you sow each day are making a difference in your daughter’s life, and in the spirit of our College community.
Even in physical absence, we remain connected. That is the strength of Mercy. And that is something worth celebrating.
Happy Mother’s Day
Jennifer Oaten | Principal
- Courage and Compassion, FaithBased Education, Featured, From the Principal, Mercy Values In Action, Mother's Day
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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