From The President – October 2025

Dear Alumni

Warm greetings to you all for October, accompanied by more clement, warmer weather.

As the end of the academic year edges closer, increased study is necessary and expected, and very likely increased anxiety for daughters as well as parents. In this context, I wish you all peace during your preparations for the upcoming exam period.  Whatever the outcome of an exam, a candidate’s worth as a person is undiminished. Being confident that you are working to achieve your best helps to reduce stress and is all that can be expected.

There was a flurry of activity from the Old Girls’ Association Committee in September. On 17 September, three members of the OGA Committee and myself, helped assemble the rose bunches and posies, which were given to students to celebrate Mercy Day. What a hive of activity, as we worked together with the Santa Maria staff and parents on this enormous task. 

With three fellow Committee members, I also attended the Mercy Day Mass, followed by a delicious morning tea in the Community Room. Thank you to the College catering staff for your hard work in producing such professional delicacies, and for your service.

On Thursday 18 September, our OGA Spring Movie night was held at the Windsor Cinema. This event allowed the twenty-four attendees to relax, have a drink and chat before the film commenced.

The movie Mr Burton was well received. I enjoyed the film, which portrayed the early life of actor Richard Burton and highlighted the influential role his high school English literature teacher played in mentoring him and introducing him to theatre. This included helping the young Richard develop clear speech and an ambition to succeed.

I would particularly like to thank Bella Robinson, OGA Committee Vice President, for the effort she made to organise this event. Tanya Ramakrishnan assisted Bella. Thank you both.

Invitations to the Golden Girls’ Lunch on Saturday 8 November have been posted out. I am looking forward to seeing many of my own classmates from 1974 at the lunch. We will welcome the Class of 1975 for the first time. The lunch is an annual highlight of the Old Girls’ calendar.

If you have not attended previously, please consider joining a pre-lunch tour of the school.

The newly refurbished College Chapel interior is contemporary and impressive. The Cultural Centre is visibly progressing, and even at this early stage, it has the makings of becoming a grand and remarkable asset to our school.

Since last year, the new Dux and Head Girl award boards have been installed, and provide appropriate recognition to those who are listed.

Best Wishes

Mary Heavens | OGA Committee President