Golden Girls Luncheon 2024 – Celebrating Lifelong Bonds
Connections made during school, are often some of the strongest bonds we will make during our lives. That was particularly evident during our annual Golden Girls Luncheon held this week.
Each year, our cherished annual event welcomes back alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago, celebrating the enduring bonds of sisterhood. This year’s luncheon was particularly memorable, with more than 100 guests returning to the College to honour tradition and share treasured memories.
Attendees spanned the Class of 1943 to the newest members of the Golden Girls, the Class of 1974. A special mention goes to Dorothy, from the Class of 1943, who will soon celebrate her 96th birthday. This event continues to be a highlight on the calendars of both the Old Girls’ Association and the College, showcasing the power of connection across generations.
Our Year 7 leaders greeted the Golden Girls with excitement, escorting them to the venue and sparking conversations that created an instant bridge between the past and present.
Our young students enjoyed the chance to listen to first-hand stories about life at Santa Maria College decades ago, learning how traditions have evolved and gaining an appreciation for the legacy they are now part of.
Year 7 student Imogen shared, “I had an amazing time greeting all the wonderful ladies and hearing their stories. One lady, Helen, told me that where that café is today is where her Year 12 English classroom was and above that was her economics class.”
The College Flute Quartet performed, led by past student and current music tutor Rebecca McGregor (2008). The musicians set the stage for an afternoon, their performance adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the event.
Principal Jennifer Oaten then delivered a speech to the group, reflecting on her own time as a student, the school’s journey and transformations. She highlighted the progress of the new Cultural Centre, which the attendees could glimpse as they arrived. Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the College’s vision of honouring the past while looking to the future.
Thank you to our Year 11 ACCESS students, who ensured the guests felt cared for, serving lunch and attending to their needs. Thank you also to the Year 7 leaders, who guided and engaged with the alumni. The students’ involvement highlighted the strong sense of community that Santa Maria College is known for, where students past and present are united by shared experiences.
The Golden Girls Luncheon proves each year to be more than just a reunion. The luncheon is a celebration of friendship, history, and the values that have defined Santa Maria College for generations. The bond between these incredible women and the school continues to grow, strengthened by events that honour their legacy.
We thank our Golden Girls for their unwavering connection to Santa Maria College and celebrate their love for community, friendship, and shared experiences.
- AlumniConnections, AlumniEvent, CollegeHistory, Featured, GoldenGirls, SchoolTraditions, Sisterhood
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.
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