Conquering the Trails: 2023 IGSSA Cross Country Carnival
- June 23, 2023

The annual IGSSA Cross Country carnival at Alderbury Reserve, Perry Lakes, marked an exciting day for Santa Maria’s Years 7 – 12 cross country squad.
With a challenging course and fierce competition, the girls showed incredible determination and resilience.
Principal Jennifer Oaten and a group of enthusiastic parents were there to witness the team’s hard work and early morning training sessions pay off, resulting in an outstanding performance.

The IGSSA Cross Country carnival saw our cross country squad achieve a milestone that hadn’t been reached in over a decade. Finishing in an impressive equal third place with MLC, the team outperformed their fifth-place finish from the previous year. This remarkable achievement placed Santa Maria back in the top three schools for cross country, a testament to the girls’ unwavering dedication and effort throughout the entire season.
Standout Performances
Several standout performances contributed to Santa Maria’s success at the carnival. The Year 9s secured an outstanding second place in their pennant, narrowly missing the top spot by a mere five points. Additionally, the Years 11 and 12 girls showcased their determination, finishing in a commendable third place. These achievements highlight the talent and depth of skill within the Santa Maria cross country team.





The dedication and perseverance of Santa Maria’s athletes were further exemplified by some exceptional individual performances. The following students demonstrated their skill and endurance by securing top 10 positions in their respective year groups:
- Amelia Nuttman (Year 7): 10th place
- Gabriella Silvester (Year 8): 10th place
- Chloe Dartnell (Year 9): 6th place
- Naomi Karczub (Year 10): 9th place
- Bianca Monaco (Year 11): 3rd place
- Sophie Farrell (Year 12): 8th place

The success of our cross country squad would not have been possible without the unwavering support of staff and coaches. Their commitment, passion, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in guiding and nurturing the athletes to reach their full potential. The coaching staff’s expertise and motivation have not only contributed to the team’s physical preparedness but have also instilled a sense of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in the girls.
The IGSSA Cross Country carnival marked the culmination of an exceptional season for the Santa Maria team. Their hard work, determination, and passion have propelled them to achieve success. Their achievements at the IGSSA carnival are a testament to their resilience, perseverance, and ability to thrive under pressure.
We are immensely proud of their achievements. Congratulations to the cross country squad on a truly remarkable season!





- Community, Confidence, Featured, Resilience, sport
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.