Future10 Empower – Building Financial Confidence for Life
This week, our Year 10 students took part in the Future10 Empower Program, an intensive two-day experience designed to strengthen their financial skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for life beyond school. The program gave students a practical understanding of how money works and how to make good decisions now and into adulthood.
Our First Year Partnering with MoneyVest
A key highlight of this year’s program was our new partnership with MoneyVest, a leading provider of financial literacy programs for schools. This collaboration marks an exciting development for Santa Maria College, bringing fresh expertise, contemporary resources and real-world strategies into the classroom.
MoneyVest is known for its practical, engaging approach, one that cuts through confusion and makes financial concepts clear and relatable. Their involvement elevated the program and ensured our students experienced learning that was hands-on, relevant and immediately useful.
A Standout Keynote from Dominic Aarsen
We were delighted to welcome Dominic Aarsen, Founder and Lead Presenter at MoneyVest, as our feature keynote speaker. Dominic’s extensive experience working with professionals, business owners, apprentices and school students gave him a unique ability to connect with our Year 10s.
His sessions focused on making money feel simple rather than intimidating, offering practical strategies students can start using straight away. Dominic’s relatable examples and relaxed delivery style helped students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging deeply with the content.
Hearing from College Experts
Alongside MoneyVest, students also benefited from the knowledge and experience of Santa Maria College staff members who presented across the two days.
Principal Jennifer Oaten and Director of Corporate Services Tim Stewart shared insights into College expenses and provided an overview of the budgeting process for the new Cultural Centre. Their session gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how large-scale financial decisions are made within an organisation.
Gemma Beekink, Dean of Year 9, delivered a practical and relatable session on tax, superannuation, buy now/pay later services like Afterpay, credit, budgeting and saving. She also explored the influence of social media on spending and lifestyle, giving students tools to recognise marketing pressure and make thoughtful choices.
Head of Mathematics Rowan Platel and Mathematics teacher Merryl Sequeira presented engaging workshops titled “To debt or not to debt”. These sessions helped students understand that interest can be both beneficial and challenging, a necessary part of life when making large purchases or handling unexpected expenses.
These staff-led sessions reinforced the real-life relevance of financial literacy and highlighted the strength of expertise already within our College community.
Practical Learning for Real-World Confidence
Across the two days, students explored topics that matter, now and in the future. They learned how to:
- Build healthy money habits
- Manage everyday spending
- Understand superannuation and the advantages of starting early
- Identify the risks of services such as Afterpay and credit cards
- Make confident, informed financial decisions
The focus was on everyday situations students will soon encounter, allowing them to practise skills they can apply immediately.
Micro-Credentials That Recognise Real Skills
As part of the program, students earned micro-credential units through MoneyVest’s online learning platform. These credentials recognise their achievement in developing financial literacy and wellbeing skills, valuable assets as they take on part-time work, further study and, eventually, independent living.
Aligning with Our Strategic Vision
Partnering with MoneyVest directly supports the College’s Strategic Plan to prepare students for life beyond school. It also responds to feedback from parents and students who expressed a desire for more real-world financial education and access to industry experts.
This first year of working with MoneyVest has already proven to be a strong and meaningful addition to the Future10 program, providing our students with knowledge and confidence that will serve them long after they leave Santa Maria College.
- budgeting and saving, financial education, financial literacy for teens, Future10 Empower, MoneyVest partnership, real-world education, Santa Maria College, student life skills, Year 10 programs
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.
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