Honouring our 2024 Mercy Award Finalists
This week, Santa Maria College proudly hosted the inaugural Mercy Awards Celebration and Exhibition in the Mercy Gallery. This prestigious event recognises and honours the outstanding contributions of our alumni and staff, both past and present, who embody the core values of our school. The Mercy Awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to one of our five core values: Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Excellence.
Recognising Exceptional Individuals
Our community was invited to nominate deserving individuals who have exemplified one of these values in a significant and impactful way, either within their local community or on a global scale. The response was overwhelming, highlighting the incredible dedication and service of our extended Santa Maria College family.
A panel of judges reviewed the nominations and selected the finalists for each of the five Mercy Values. The finalists were then invited to a photo shoot with our talented photographer, Megan Dowling, who captured the essence and personality of each finalist in stunning black-and-white portraits.
An Inspiring Exhibition
The celebration culminated in an exhibition of these portraits, attended by the finalists, their friends, and families. The portraits are currently on display in the Mercy Gallery until Monday 12 August, providing an opportunity for our community to celebrate and appreciate these inspiring individuals. After this date, the finalists will be able to take home their portraits as a memento of this special honour.
Winners Announced
Last night, we also announced the overall Mercy Award winners: Fatima Horta, a dedicated staff member who has served the College for nearly 50 years, and Roslind Witham, an inspiring alumna from the Class of 1987. Stay tuned as we share more about Fatima and Roslind in coming weeks. Their commitment to our core values serves as an inspiration to us all.
- AlumniRecognition, Compassion, excellence, Featured, Hospitality, Justice, MercyAwards, SchoolValues, Service, StaffRecognition
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.
Sophia, Building Beauty, Confidence and a Business
Santa Maria past student Sophia Whimp (2022) has built a successful home beauty business by combining creativity, resilience and a commitment to authentic client relationships. In this Q&A, she reflects on the lessons she learned at school, the challenges of starting a business at a young age, and the advice she has for students hoping to turn their passion into a career.
Strive9 – Year 9 Students Decide What Is Worth Speaking Up For
Languages Day Celebrates Culture, Connection and Community
