Halfway Day 2025 – Celebrating the Journey So Far
“It’s not the end, it’s not the beginning… it’s the halfway point – and that’s something worth celebrating.”
For our Year 12 students, Halfway Day isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and recognise just how far they’ve come in their final year at Santa Maria College. With six months of growth, challenges and countless memories under their belts, our Year 12s took a well-deserved moment to celebrate this meaningful milestone.
A Day to Reflect and Reconnect
Our Year 12s arrived wearing their school uniforms and leavers’ jackets with pride. There’s something symbolic about that jacket, it marks not just the progress of time, but the spirit and unity of a cohort who have grown together.
The morning was filled with smiles and laughter. It offered a rare chance to step off the treadmill of assessments, leadership roles and life planning. “I can honestly say that it feels like this first half of the year has gone so quickly, whilst also having taken a long time,” shared Annika, Head Girl. “I know this second half will fly by, so I’m doing my best to enjoy every minute.”
Dean of Year 12 Lisa Taylor said: “A big focus for our year group is to stay in the present and enjoy the moment. In a busy year, it is easy to lose sight of this, especially with exams, Work Placements, and the ESTs (externally set tasks) looming. So today reminds us of the importance of our achievements, our friendships, and helps refocus us on what truly matters, spending time with each other.”
More Than Just a Milestone
Halfway Day is not simply a pause; it’s a chance to acknowledge growth, personal, academic and emotional. These young women have navigated leadership roles, co-curricular demands, family commitments and looming post-school decisions with grace.
“This year, I’ve learned that I’m more resilient than I thought,” said Amelia Taranto, Academic Captain. “Especially in staying focused and motivated through the pressure of exams and Year 12.”
A highlight of the day was a special morning tea served by the SLC, who baked delicious brownies for their peers. It was a beautiful gesture of camaraderie and care. Carissa Allen, Service Captain, summed it up perfectly: “If I could go back, I’d tell my Year 11 self to appreciate the moment more… the time goes by very fast in the last few years of school!”
Student Voices: Wisdom from the Halfway Mark
We asked some of our Year 12 leaders to reflect on their journey and hopes for what’s ahead.
What are you looking forward to in the second half of Year 12?
“Celebrating our event days one last time—like the Athletics Carnival, Purple Bra Day and Mercy Day. I want to make them extra special!” – Nina Tavani, Performing Arts Captain
What has been a highlight of Year 12 so far?
“Personally, all our ‘lasts’ have been my favourite part. From big events to little wins, they’ve made me really grateful for this final year with my cohort.” – Scarlett, Deputy Head Girl
These reflections highlight the personal growth and emotional intelligence our students continue to develop, core attributes in our Connecting Learning to Life framework, including resilience, confidence, adaptability and emotional awareness.
Mercy in Every Moment
Halfway Day radiated the Mercy values that underpin everything we do at Santa Maria College. We saw:
- Compassion, in how students supported and encouraged each other
- Hospitality, in the welcoming atmosphere of the morning tea
- Excellence, in the pride they took in celebrating their journey so far
Looking Ahead
With exams, the Year 12 Retreat, Graduation and Leavers’ events still to come, the second half of the year will be no less significant.
But now, there’s a renewed sense of purpose.
Halfway Day reminded the Class of 2025 that they are not alone. They are supported by each other, their teachers, families and the wider community that believes in their potential.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 12s. You’ve made it halfway, and you are doing it with heart.
- CelebratingGrowth, Featured, HalfwayDay, SantaMariaCollege, SchoolMilestones, SeniorSchoolLife, StudentLeadership, StudentVoice, Year12
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.
