From the President: March 2024
Welcome to the March edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog.Â
It has been a wonderful start to the year. Our first event, the 2024 Reunion, saw hundreds of alumni return to the College earlier this month. Despite the sweltering heat, it was a lovely evening. It was so nice to see the different year groups enjoying each other’s company, making the event a huge success again. You can read more about the reunion here.
We thank the College for their invaluable support in hosting the reunion and the OGA committee and members for their assistance.
Upcoming Event: Sisterhood Networking Series
The College will be hosting the inaugural Sisterhood Networking Series on Monday 18 March. We are fortunate to have Nicole Lockwood (Class of 1996), Chair at Infrastructure WA and Founder and Director of Lockwood Advisory, as our first speaker. This unique series aims to foster stronger bonds within our Santa Maria sisterhood, creating a nurturing network for support, wisdom sharing, and mutual growth.
Places are limited – you can book your spot here.
Until next time.
Gemma Varone (2009), PresidentÂ
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.
