Celebrating our Years 7 – 11 Students
This week our community came together to celebrate the dedication, spirit and achievements of our Years 7 – 11 students at our Awards Night. The evening recognised those who have thrived in learning, made significant contributions to their Houses or lived our Mercy values. The talents of our musicians and our dancers were shared with our community through some wonderful performances.
Principal’s Message - “Stay True to Who You Are”
During the ceremony, Principal Jennifer Oaten delivered an inspiring address centred on the idea of staying true to who you are. She reminded students that each of them brings their own strengths, perspectives, and talents to the College.
Using the image of a garden filled with different flowers, Jennifer shared a simple but powerful message: a community is strongest when everyone grows in their own way, without comparison or pressure to be like someone else.
She also acknowledged the challenges young people face in a world of constant online comparison, reminding them that “comparison is the thief of joy” and that real confidence comes from understanding who you are, not from measuring yourself against others.
Jennifer encouraged students to use their authentic voice, just as young leaders like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai did when they began speaking up for what they believed in.
Jennifer also encouraged students to embrace mistakes and challenges as part of their story. She spoke about the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where cracks in a repaired object are filled with gold, making it more valuable and beautiful. In the same way, she reminded students that their struggles and imperfections shape who they are.
Congratulations to All Award Recipients
The Awards Evening celebrated students who have shown outstanding academic excellence, demonstrating curiosity, determination, and a genuine commitment to achieving their personal best.
We also recognised students who have demonstrated significant contributions to our community through their participation, Mercy values, kindness, service, and dedication to College life through our Special Awards. Each award acknowledges more than achievement alone; it recognises the many meaningful ways our young people contribute to our community, both in the classroom and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, character, and determination shown by our students this year. Their achievements and the way they support one another continue to strengthen our school community.
Congratulations to all award recipients and to all students who have done their best in 2025.
- Academic Excellence, Community Engagement, Featued, Mercy Values, Principal’s Address, Santa Maria College, School Spirit, Student Awards, Years 7–11 Achievement, Youth Leadership
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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From the President – March 2026
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