Celebrating the Class of 2024 – Jennifer Oaten
Last night, we had the honour of celebrating the graduating Class of 2024 at our Graduation Mass and Ceremony. Tonight, we continue these celebrations with a special cocktail party with our graduates and their families, a fitting end to their journey at Santa Maria College.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
As I reflected during my speech, the journey of each student has been much like the story, “Possum Magic” by Mem Fox. Just as Hush travelled across Australia, discovering her true self along the way, each of our graduates has embarked on a unique adventure throughout their time at the College. From their first days in Years 5 or 7, they have grown, learned, and shown who they are as an individual.
Courage and Leadership
The Class of 2024 has shown exceptional courage and leadership, navigating their way through the challenges of high school with grace and determination. They have climbed mountains of assignments and waded through the swamps of assessments. Throughout it all, they have become fine Mercy women, embodying the values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Excellence that we hold dear.
As I mentioned in my speech, “Like Hush, you have discovered that the magic was within you all along.” Each challenge they faced was a step on their journey toward becoming the remarkable young women they are today.
Celebrating with Gratitude and Joy
Our graduation events began with a beautiful Mass, celebrated by Father Phillip and made even more special by the talents of our Year 12 students, who contributed as readers and choir members. Their participation highlighted the spirit of community and belonging that is so central to our College.
We also celebrated their achievements with a range of awards, from College Awards and Academic Excellence Awards to Course and House Awards. These recognitions are a testament to the students’ hard work, talent, and dedication. But more importantly, they reflect the personal growth and character each student has developed during their time with us.
COLLEGE AWARDS
ATAR Dux: Anika Zammit
ATAR Runner-Up: Mackenzie Smith
ACCESS Dux: Jacinta Van Der Zanden
ACCESS Runner-Up:Â Rose Simkin
Principals Award: Madison Pino
Mercy Award:Â Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Mercy Award:Â Grace Westerhout
Dance & Drama Award: Jessica Bolden
Hearne Music Award: Madison Pino
Sports Champion: Billie Mincham
Boarder Award: Rose Simkin
Jessica Bolden
Macie Brennan
Lexi Chandler
Sarah Della Bona
Rainy Guimbeau
Lauren Hester
Abigail Marra
Madison Pino
Rose Simkin
Mackenzie Smith
Clara Tarquinio
Allegra Trolio
Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Myah Waldock
Anika Zammit
Religion & Life (A) ATAR: Clara Tarquinio
Religion & Life (G) ATAR: Myah Waldock
Religion & Life (G) ACCESS: Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Accounting & Finance (A): Bianca Monaco
Applied Information Technology (A): Arlena Garces
Biology (A): Ella Muir
Business Management & Enterprise (A): Bianca Monaco
Business Management & Enterprise (A): Ella Muir
Business Management & Enterprise (G): Alyssa Monaco
Career & Enterprise (G): Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Chemistry (A): Kallysta Lim
Children, Family & the Community (A): Grace Westerhout
Children, Family & the Community (A): Molly Hussey
Children, Family & the Community (G): Chiara Ford
Children, Family & the Community (G): Claudia O’Donoghue
Dance (A): Jessica Bolden
Design (G): Rose Simkin
Drama (A): Jessica Bolden
Economics (A): Estela Taranto
English (A): Anika Zammit
English (G): Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Food Science & Technology (G): Ashleigh Stockil
French: Second Language (A): Rainy Guimbeau
Geography (A): Emma Byron
Human Biology (A): Jessica Bolden
Human Biology (G): Alyssa Monaco
Italian: Second Language (A): Maame Atta-Danso
Literature (A): Kayla Ro
Materials, Design & Technology (A): Mia Tinley
Materials, Design & Technology (G): Jacinta Van Der Zanden
Mathematics Applications (A): Sarah Della Bona
Mathematics Essentials (G): Olivia Hardie
Mathematics Methods (A): Anika Zammit
Mathematics Specialist (A): Anika Zammit
Modern History (A): Amelie Coffey
Music (G): Madison Pino
Outdoor Education (G): Billie Mincham
Physical Education Studies (A): Maia Clayden
Physics (A): Anika Zammit
Politics & Law (A): Myah Waldock
UniReady: Jessica Buck
Visual Art (A): Ava Donovan
Byrne House Award: Macie Brennan
Corbett House Award: Olivia Fuller
de la Hoyde House Award: Amy Alvaro
Dillon House Award: Kaitlin Power
Frayne House Award: Emily Molony
Kelly House Award: Casey Wouts
O’Donnell House Award: Ella Sharman
O’Reilly House Award: Sophie Corrie
The Lessons of “Possum Magic”
The story of “Possum Magic” teaches us four key lessons, which I believe capture the journey of our graduates:
- Be Curious Like Hush: Embrace every new opportunity with an open mind. Whether it is a new course, a job, or a chance to travel, remember that every experience is a chance to learn and grow.
- Be Brave Like Grandma Poss: Life beyond graduation will present many choices and challenges. Face them with courage, knowing that the greatest rewards often come from taking bold steps.
- Treasure those Close to You, but Explore Far and Wide: As our graduates move forward, we hope they remember the community they come from while embracing new cultures, ideas, and perspectives.
- Believe in Your Own Magic: The real magic lies within each of our graduates – their talents, passions, and dreams. As they step into the future, we encourage them to believe in themselves and the unique contributions they will make to the world.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Confidence
As we gather tonight for our final celebration, we are filled with pride, joy, and anticipation for what the future holds for these exceptional young women. They are fully visible now, not just to us, but to themselves – ready to embark on their next great adventure with courage, curiosity, and confidence.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! May your future be as bright and magical as the night sky. Remember, no matter where life takes you, you will always have a home here in the Santa Maria College community.
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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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