Hat Bands & Leavers Jumpers!
This week marks an important milestone in the journey of our Year 11 students as they become known as Year 11.5 and begin their Year 12 courses of study. It is a moment of excitement and pride that represents their transition into the final stage of their Santa Maria journey.
A Student Tradition
As part of this tradition, each student received two meaningful symbols of their new chapter, their leavers’ jumper and red hat band. The red band replaces the green one worn from Years 5 to 11 and signifies the beginning of their leadership journey as Year 12s. It is a visible reminder of the responsibility they now carry as role models for younger students and of their growing place within the College community.
The leavers’ jumper is another much-loved senior privilege. It marks the final stage of school life and strengthens the bond between members of the cohort as they prepare to embark on their last year together. Seeing the students wear their new jumpers around campus is a proud reminder of how far they’ve come, and of the exciting journey that lies ahead.
A Note from the Dean and Head Girl Elect
Dean of Year 11, Peter Hanbidge, said this transition is about more than a change in uniform or colour. It is about embracing the responsibility of being a role model.
“The red hat band signals the start of their leadership journey as Year 12s, instilling a sense of responsibility as role models for the rest of the student body. The red is associated with passion and courage, tying into the College’s mission to form young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion. The leavers’ jackets are a senior privilege, symbolising the final year of a student’s school life.”
2026 Head Girl, Chloe said receiving the red hat bands and leavers’ jackets is an important milestone for her cohort as they enter their final year of high school.
“They are a symbol of our role as leaders of the College as well as our year groups unity and connections. Most importantly, receiving them this week has demonstrated immense excitement for the memories and experiences that await us in our final year!’
Over the coming months, our new Year 11.5 students will continue to grow in confidence and leadership as they prepare for their final year at Santa Maria College. This rite of passage reminds us all, that while the next chapter brings new challenges, it is also filled with opportunity, friendship, and pride.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We cannot wait to see where this journey takes you.
- Classof2026, Featured, HatBandsLeaversJackets, LeadershipJourney, SantaMariaCollegePerth, SchoolSpirit, StudentMilestones, StudentTraditions, Year11.5, Year12Leadership
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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