From a Santa Girl to Miss W
When Kate Warchomij walks into her Year 6 classroom each morning, she is not just a teacher, she is someone who knows exactly what it is like to be a Santa Maria girl. A proud 2001 graduate of the College, Kate’s journey back to Santa is a story of full-circle moments, courageous choices, and a lifelong love of learning.
“I always loved school,” Kate shares. “When I was a kid, I used to play ‘schools’ with a whiteboard my dad brought home from work. My stuffed animals got some top-quality lessons from eight-year-old Miss W!”
A Winding Path to the Classroom
Though teaching was always in the back of her mind, Kate’s path was not a straight line. After finishing Year 12 at Santa Maria, she explored her interests in English, drama, psychology and even considered law. She enrolled in an Arts/Commerce degree at UWA – a decision that never quite sat right.
“I still don’t know how I thought commerce would suit me,” she laughs. “A lot of people at the time were pushing me in that direction because it was seen as more successful. But I just didn’t feel connected to it.”
Six months in, she transferred to Notre Dame to pursue a teaching degree and during her first practicum in a Year 4 classroom, everything fell into place.
“I had originally thought I’d be a Secondary Drama and English teacher. But that primary school prac completely changed my direction. I loved the variety, the connection, and the sense of community in the classroom,” she says. “I never looked back.”
Teaching With Heart and Purpose
Now with nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Kate brings energy, empathy and insight to her Year 6 students. Her teaching philosophy centres on one key principle: relationships.
“I always ask parents, ‘Is your child happy to come to school?’ That’s the most important question. When students feel valued and safe, they thrive. They build resilience. They’re not afraid to take on challenges,” she says.
Kate’s career has taken her across Perth and beyond. She began teaching at St Augustine’s in Rivervale, a small single-stream school where she honed her craft and built strong foundations. She later travelled overseas, working at a summer camp in West Virginia, an experience that left a lasting impact.
“I still have close friends from those days. Travel has always been one of my greatest passions; it’s where I’ve learned the most about myself.”
Back in Perth, Kate spent ten years at Newman College, teaching across Years 3 – 6 and serving as Leader of Wellbeing for the upper primary campus. A year in Assistant Principalship followed at St Bernadette’s in Port Kennedy, before her heart led her back to the classroom – and back to Santa Maria.
Since 2021, Kate has been a much-loved member of the College’s Doyle campus, where she teaches Year 6 and brings both professional expertise and personal warmth to the community.
“The strong sense of belonging I felt as a student is still here,” she says. “Our primary team is so collaborative and supportive. And I love that I get to keep in touch with students after they move on from Year 6. Seeing them grow, hearing ‘Hi Miss W!’ as they walk past, it’s a privilege.”
A Life Outside the Classroom
While teaching is a big part of Kate’s identity, there’s much more to her than lesson plans and learning goals. Outside of school, she treasures time with her family and friends.
“I love just pottering around at home, music on, or reading a good book,” she says.” But I am also always planning the next trip!”
Kate is an avid traveller and thrives on discovering new places. “Some of my favourite destinations have been Santorini, Florence, New York and London,” she shares. “Most recently I had an amazing trip to Bangkok. Travel has given me my best memories.”
Some people may be surprised to learn she had a love for performing when she was younger. “When I was a student at Santa, my favourite subject was Drama. I played Marilla Cuthbert in our Year 12 musical production of Anne of Green Gables,” she says. “I even thought about auditioning for WAAPA. Looking back, I probably just didn’t have the self-confidence, but it formed a special part of my identity as a young person.”
Proud Moments & Golden Smiles
When asked about her proudest teaching moments, Kate does not talk about test scores or awards.
“There’s a very particular smile you see on a student’s face when they do something they never thought they could,” she says. “That moment of surprise and pride, that’s gold.”
With nearly two decades of experience, and her first Santa Maria Year 6s set to graduate in 2027, Kate Warchomij continues to make her mark, not just as a teacher, but as someone who sees the whole child, values community, and leads with authenticity.
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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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