Class of 2026 – The Year 12 Ball
The Class of 2026 Santa Maria College Year 12 Ball was a highly anticipated event, and it proved to be an unforgettable evening.
Held on Tuesday 27 January at the Pan Pacific hotel, the evening brought together students, and staff to celebrate the beginning of the final chapter of Class of 2026’s Santa Maria journey. It was a night filled with laughter, dancing and anticipation, and a clear reminder of just how far this cohort has come.
For the Class of 2026, this was not just about gowns, suits and photos. It was about standing confidently alongside friends who have shared the journey and stepping into Year 12 with a strong sense of self and community.
Celebrating The Final Year
As the girls arrived, there was an unmistakable sense of pride and excitement. The confidence on display was not just in how they carried themselves, but in how they supported one another throughout the night.
Head Girl Chloe captured the heart of the evening in her reflection,
“The ball was not only a night to dress up and come together as a year group, but to celebrate the growth into the confident and mature young ladies we are all becoming. I had the best time with my year group dancing, taking photos and making memories, to begin an unforgettable final year of high school together.”
Year 12 Dean Peter Hanbidge reflected on the spirit of the evening, saying,
“The 2026 Ball kicked off the year on a high note, with the girls showing incredible inclusivity, grace, respect, and pure joy throughout the evening. Dancing was at the centre of it all, students spinning, laughing, and creating lasting moments, where sore feet could not dampen the fun, and no one wanted the magic to stop.”
Living the Mercy Value of Justice
This year, the College Mercy value focus is Justice, and it was beautifully reflected throughout the night. The Ball was a space where everyone felt welcome and valued. Friendships across groups were honoured, differences were embraced, and the shared experience strengthened the year group’s sense of unity.
It was a reminder that justice is not only lived through action, but through the everyday choices we make and how we treat one another.
A Proud Moment to Begin the Year
For families watching their daughter’s step into this milestone, it was a moment of pride. For staff who have walked alongside them, it was a reminder of why these moments matter. And for the students themselves, it was the perfect way to begin a year filled with possibility.
As the Class of 2026 moves forward into their final year, the memories from this night will remain a touchstone. A reminder of friendship, confidence, community and the shared journey that still lies ahead.
- Boarding School Perth, Class of 2026, Featured, Girls' Education Perth, Mercy Values In Action, Santa Maria College, School Community Events, Senior school milestones, Student life at Santa Maria, Year 12 Ball
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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