From the President – September 2024
Welcome to the September edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog.
This year is flying by. I am avoiding the shopping centres as I have a feeling the Christmas decorations might already be going up!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the College for the introduction of the Mercy Awards. The inaugural event was held a couple of weeks ago, and what a fantastic evening it was.
As a former boarder, I was thrilled to see Fatima Horta recognised as one of the recipients of this award. The joy she has brought to the College for almost 50 years cannot be measured. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Roslind Witham, (Class of 1987). Her work advocating for road safety and supporting individuals with disabilities makes her so deserving of this award.
I would urge you all to read the bios of the two winners in this month’s blog.
Below is the list of 2024 Mercy Award Finalists
NAME
Diann Black
Helen Chaffer
Emily Daniels
Geraldine Doogue
Veronique Heekeng
Fatima Horta
Jennifer Jansen
Paul Kinsella
Laurissa Knowles
Lee Lester
Sister Breda O’Reilly
Anne Pitos
Joanne Priest
Elizabeth Wilkes
Roslind Witham
Gwendolyn Wood
John Wray
CATEGORY
Service
Service
Service
Service
Hospitality
Hospitality
Compassion
Excellence
Compassion
Compassion
Justice
Excellence
Justice
Hospitality
Service
Service
Service
AFFILIATION
Alumni
Past Staff
Alumni
Alumni
Staff
Staff
Staff
Staff
Past Staff
Alumni
Staff
Past Staff
Staff
Alumni
Alumni
Alumni
Staff
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. It is so important to recognise those who live by the mercy values in our community.
Until next time,
Gemma Varone (2009), President
- FromthePresident
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.
