From the President – August 2025
Dear Alumni
Welcome to our August blog. It has been some time since my last report in May, given my absence overseas. I hope you’ve managed to keep warm during this unusually long Perth winter, it has certainly been one to remember!
Our Old Girls’ Association Committee last met on 9 June, and I’d like to share some highlights with you:
Our next Sisterhood Networking Series is on Wednesday 13 August, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm at the State Building. Our guest speaker is Diana Rigg (Class of 1988). Diana is a speech pathologist who works closely with occupational therapists and teachers to support primary school students with literacy, language and motor skills. I met Diana at our June event and know she will be an engaging and insightful speaker. As the venue is cosy, places are limited to 20, so please book early.
Also on 13 August, I will be attending the Pleiades Gathering at Penrhos College along with some of our committee members. Pleiades brings together alumni associations from independent schools to share ideas and strengthen connections. This year’s focus is on creative ways to connect with alumni in an increasingly digital and time-poor world. Thank you to Chelsea Weaver, our Foundation & Alumni Officer, for preparing our report for this meeting.
Planning is underway for another Movie Night. Our last one was relaxed, enjoyable and well-attended, so please look out for more details soon.
Our much-loved Golden Girls’ Lunch will be held on 8 November, welcoming the Class of 1975 into the group for the first time. It’s always a wonderful afternoon of memories, delicious food and spectacular views of the Swan River.
Last Saturday night, I attended the WA Opera’s opening night of Madama Butterfly at His Majesty’s Theatre with my twin sister, Sylvia (Class of 1974). It was a pleasure to meet past student, Fleuranne Brockway (Class of 2009), who featured in an article in last month’s blog. Fleuranne sang the mezzo soprano part of Suzuki with such skill and presence. I was delighted to give her flowers on behalf of our alumni community. Congratulations, Fleuranne.
Until next time, I wish you all the best.
Warm regards
Mary Heavens | President, Old Girls’ Association
- AlumniCommunityEngagement, AlumniNetworking, GoldenGirlsLunch, OGAAugustEvents, SantaMariaCollegePerth, SantaMariaOldGirlsAssociation, SisterhoodSeries
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.
Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
Santa Maria College alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the College’s new Cultural Centre, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the role of the arts in the community. The evening featured performances by current students and a 42-member Alumni Choir, highlighting the lifelong connections and shared experiences that continue to bring Old Girls back to the College.
From the President – August 2026
The August 2026 Old Girls’ Association President’s Report provides an update on upcoming meetings and alumni activities at Santa Maria College. President Mary Heavens outlines plans for the Pleiades Gathering, the inaugural Santa Maria College and Aquinas social event, and the Golden Girls’ lunch welcoming the Class of 1976.
Sophia, Building Beauty, Confidence and a Business
Santa Maria past student Sophia Whimp (2022) has built a successful home beauty business by combining creativity, resilience and a commitment to authentic client relationships. In this Q&A, she reflects on the lessons she learned at school, the challenges of starting a business at a young age, and the advice she has for students hoping to turn their passion into a career.
