This is my final news blog for 2018 and I thank all families for your support.

Merry Christmas

We concluded the year with our Christmas Mass celebrated by Father Hugh Galloway who encouraged the girls to consider the things that are precious in their lives. I hope during the Christmas period all in our community will consider the real reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and think about the festivities we have now compared to the first Christmas Day when Mary and Joseph, humble travellers, stayed in the inn and their son was born into the most modest of surroundings. One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men. I encourage you and your family to attend Mass together to celebrate the real reason for Christmas. We pray that the gentle humility with which Jesus came into the world will serve as an example and inspiration for all people. May His peace and love characterise your festive season.

Wishing all our families a safe, happy and holy Christmas. God bless.

Jennifer Oaten

Awards Nights

There was much to celebrate at our Middle and Senior Years Awards Nights. They are special nights on our calendar which enable reflection on the year and acknowledge the achievements of many students. My key messages to the students were:

Middle Years Awards Night

“Happiness means something different to each individual, but generally speaking, the contented – the happy –  take actions in their lives to be the best person they can be. Research has shown that feeling grateful for what we have; demonstrating empathy in our dealings with others; and being mindful, or present in our day-to-day lives, provide the underpinnings for a contented, happy existence.”

Senior Years Awards Night

“At Santa Maria College, excellence is achieved when our girls are their best selves. I invited our girls to reflect on the school year and to ask themselves some questions. Have I done my best in my studies? Have I been the best friend I’m able to be? Have I been the best daughter or the best sister I can be? Have I participated in co-curricular activities and served my school community? Am I committed to being the best Santa girl I can be? Have I been my best self in 2018?”

I congratulate all students on their efforts and achievements in 2018.

Please see the link below to all award winners

Middle Years (Years 5 – 8)

Senior Years (Years 9 – 11)

Mrs Helen Chaffer

I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Principal Mission, Mrs Helen Chaffer, who will be on leave in 2019. Helen is a true Mercy woman who has made significant contributions over many years in different roles at the College. She has been a wonderful role model for staff and students alike. We wish her well and hope she enjoys time with family and travelling. Mrs Danielle Spark will take on the role of Director of Staff and Students and Mrs Jilly Landers will take on the role of Head of Mission for 2019 to covers Mrs Chaffer’s absence.

Mr Tim Stewart

Following the retirement of Mr Jim Watkins after 11 years as Business Manager at the College, we welcome Mr Tim Stewart to the role. Tim joins us from the University of Western Australia where he successfully carried out a range of senior leadership roles, his most recent being Faculty of Arts General Manager. We wish Tim well in his new role.

IGSSA Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) Changes for 2019

Earlier this year the Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) carried out a survey of students to assess future directions for the delivery of co-curricular sporting options to our girls. As a result of feedback, IGSSA is very pleased to announce a number of changes.

Netball – Term 2

From Term 2 2019, Year 7/8 Netball will trial playing games at one central location – Matthews Netball Centre. The biggest advantage of the central location is it will enable IGSSA to provide extra grades that will ensure every student the ability to make a team within their school. Netball is the biggest IGSSA sport and the central location will create a carnival atmosphere at the Jolimont site. To accommodate Santa Maria College, who have the furthest distance to travel, three/four rounds each term will be played at Fremantle Netball Courts (for Santa Maria and their opposition only). Other than Santa Maria, opposition schools would only play at FNA once every two years.

AFL – Term 4

We are pleased to introduce IGSSA AFL in Term 4 for girls in Years 7 – 10. All AFL games will be played at Christ Church Grammar School’s St John’s Wood Playing Fields in Mount Claremont.

Volleyball – Term 1

The Volleyball competition will be expanded at the Year 7/8 level to cater for more teams and increased participation levels.

Badminton – Term 1
IGSSA will trial a one-day Badminton event for girls in Years 9 and 10 in Term 1 next year.

Waterpolo and Softball – Term 4
Year 12 students will be eligible to participate in the Waterpolo one-day event.

Year 12 students will also be eligible to participate in Softball.

These changes aim to encourage even greater participation in IGSSA sport and provide a wider range of sporting options for girls.

2019 Fees and Charges

To assist your preparation for the coming year here is the Schedule of Fees & Charges for 2019. The College Advisory Council has spent considerable time reviewing our current financial position and future growth patterns. The College Advisory Council has endeavoured to keep increases as low as possible and has approved the following changes:

• 1.7% Tuition Fee increase
• 1.7% Boarding Fee increase

The Building Fund Levy remains at the level set. The excellent facilities we currently enjoy are due to Building Levy contributions from mainly former families.   All money from the Building Levy allows for the continuation of the College Master Plan and ensuring our debt level is manageable. For queries about the Fees and Charges, please contact:

Mr Tim Stewart– Business Manager –[email protected]

Back to School Dates 2019

Sunday 3 February 2019 – New boarders Years 7 – 12 –  Arrive from 12.00 noon

Monday 4 February 2019 – Years 5, 6 and 7 commences at 8.40 am

Monday 4 February 2019 – Years 8 – 12 boarders – Arrive from 12.00 noon

Monday 4 February 2019 – New Years 8 – 12 student orientation  8.30 am – 1.00 pm

Tuesday 5 February 2019 – Years 8 – 12 students commence 8.40 am

College Office Hours

The College Office will close on Friday 21 December 2018 and re-open on Monday 7 January 2019.

Uniform Shop Information

• Monday 10 December 2018  – Friday 7 December 2018    9.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Wednesday 9 January 2019  – Friday 25 January 2019     9.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Friday 26 January – Closed

The Uniform Shop will return to normal hours on Thursday 31 January 2019

• Tuesday 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Wednesday 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
• Thursday 8.00 am – 4.00 pm