From the President: June 2024
Welcome to the June edition of the OGA Blog.
It used to be one woman a week. But this year, an Australian woman is being violently killed every four days. I realise that’s a pretty confronting way for me to start this newsletter, but if the events of the last week have shown us anything, it’s that no one is safe. You might be thinking, “What can I do to help?” Having a conversation is the easiest first step. We all need to be talking about this. Without awareness, there can be no change. We owe it to the two women whose lives were taken last Friday. And we owe it to our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. Enough is enough.
Thank you to all of our members who made it to the OGA Movie Night earlier this week. It was a wonderful turnout, providing a great opportunity for friends to catch up. The Way, My Way was a brilliant film that was both entertaining and insightful. Thank you also for your generous contributions to Homelessness We Care. I know how much they’ll appreciate the extra snacks, especially as this cold weather sets in.
Until next time.
Gemma Varone (2009), President
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.
