Gabby Blyth – A Lifelong Connection to Santa Maria College
We are thrilled to introduce Gabby Blyth (Chaffer, 1999) as our new Head of Admissions!
Gabby is joining the Community Relations team at Santa Maria College, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong, lifelong connection to the College. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her journey and her ties to our community.
Tell us about your time at Santa Maria College. Do you have any favourite moments?
I have so many great memories from my time at Santa Maria. I especially loved the school camps—getting out into the bush and learning practical life skills was a highlight. One of the most amazing experiences was a school trip to New Zealand in Year 11. I also really enjoyed being involved in the school productions during Years 11 and 12. We spent countless hours rehearsing, and the sense of accomplishment at the end was truly rewarding.
What was your favourite subject at school?
English Literature with Samantha Pererra was definitely my favourite, along with anything sport-related.
You have a strong connection to the school. Can you tell us more about that?
My family has been part of the Santa Maria community for many years. My mum, Helen Chaffer, worked at the school in various roles for a long time, so even after I graduated, we stayed connected. I have two sisters – Alison Auld (1996) and Lucy Beidermann (2000). My sisters and I all went through Mel Maria and Santa Maria. Now, our own children are attending! My niece Isabel is about to graduate, and my daughter will be starting Year 5 next year. My sister, Lucy, also worked at Santa Maria for a while, so our family has a long-standing connection to the College.
How did your time at Santa Maria shape who you are today?
My time at Santa Maria gave me so much. The supportive environment and lasting friendships built my confidence and instilled strong values. There were countless opportunities that helped me develop important skills, which I’ve been able to carry into life beyond school.
What was your education and career path after school?
After graduating, I completed a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and E-Commerce. Not quite ready to jump into a career right away, I did the classic Australian thing and travelled on a working holiday visa in the UK, exploring Europe and the Middle East. When I returned to Perth, I worked in Human Resources, primarily in the mining sector, before taking a career shift after my first child was born. I went back to university to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education and have been teaching Pre-Kindy and Kindy for the past five years.
What attracted you to the role of Head of Admissions?
I was excited to find a role that combined my background in both education and Human Resources. The position felt like the perfect blend of the two, and returning to Santa Maria felt like coming home. After being part of this community for so long, I knew it would be a great place to work.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am really looking forward to meeting new families and helping them begin their Santa Maria journey. It is exciting to see how the school has grown and evolved. I have already bumped into a few familiar faces – friends from school and the wider community who now have children starting at Santa Maria.
Who inspires you and why?
My mum is a huge inspiration to me. She’s always been an example of how hard work and perseverance lead to success, and she has an incredible gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I love spending time outdoors with my family. We enjoy camping, and I play social hockey. A lot of my time is spent supporting my kids with their sports, coaching netball, and managing their surf lifesaving age groups.
We’re excited to welcome Gabby back to Santa Maria College, and we know she will be a wonderful addition to our team!
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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.
From the President – October 2024
In the October edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog, we feature alumni Mercy Award finalists Diann Black and Libby Wilkes, catch up with Gabby Blyth as Head of Admissions, and share exciting reunion news. Plus, get ready for the upcoming Golden Girls’ Luncheon, a celebration of those who graduated 50 years ago.
Elizabeth Wilkes – A Legacy of Leadership and Hospitality
Elizabeth Wilkes (1984) has been part of the Santa Maria College community for nearly 50 years. From her time as a student to her contributions to the Parent Network and College Advisory Council, Libby exemplifies leadership, service, and hospitality. As a Mercy Award finalist, she shares how this recognition resonates with her deeply held values.
Gabby Blyth – A Lifelong Connection to Santa Maria College
Gabby Blyth (Chaffer, 1999) returns to Santa Maria College as our new Head of Admissions. Her lifelong connection to the school, extensive career experience, and passion for community make her an incredible addition to our team. Discover Gabby’s inspiring journey from student to staff.
