Introducing Our 2026 Head Boarder – Bronagh
Hailing from a farm 100km east of Esperance, Bronagh brings her genuine warmth, strong sense of community, and deep connection to her Irish and Catholic heritage to her new role as 2026 Head Boarder. With a passion for helping others feel at home, she is eager to continue the legacy of inclusivity and friendship within our boarding community.
From her early days as a Year 7 boarder inspired by leaders like Sage Murphy (2021 Head Boarder), to now stepping into this significant role herself, Bronagh embodies the spirit of excellence, connection and service that defines Santa Maria College.
What does it mean to you to be Head Boarder in 2026
Applying for Head Boarder has been something I have always known I would give my best shot. Sage, Head Boarder when I was in Year 7, made us feel like boarding was somewhere we could be our whole selves, and I wanted to have this same impact on others. Now, as Head Boarder, it feels like it has come full circle, and I will endeavour to inspire everyone around me to be their authentic selves.
That sums up the community that Sophie (Deputy Head Boarder) and I are aiming for. We aim to create a community where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and is accepted and embraced. We want to foster connections across all year groups and continue the journey Addi and Clancy started this year, welcoming the new boarders into our community.Â
Which Mercy value do you connect most with as a boarder, and why?
Excellence is a value that really resonates with me and most boarders. We have been given this great opportunity and there is a shared mentality that we will make the most of it. It’s not about getting the best grades but trying your hardest to become the best student and person you can be. Making meaningful connections with the girls around you and trying new things, with some boarder energy, is so special!
What is something boarding has taught you about yourself?
It has taught me the importance of having some time to yourself. At home I was always around people and in boarding it a massive sleepover with friends, having my own room and time to myself is invaluable. Although IÂ am an extrovert it is so important to just take time to recharge when I’m tired because it can be exhausting.Â
What is your favourite boarding tradition or memory?
Boarders’ week has become a really special time as it gives us a chance to show off the team we are as a whole community. Â The energy in our year group sports and how we all come together to cheer on the year 12s is so powerful. It makes me feel proud to be a boarder and now I can lead this pack it is incredible.Â
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have a twin sister, Alice. She is one of the boarding councillors, so I get to work with her closely all year. We are non-identical and very different, so most people don’t know we are twins!
Bronagh’s enthusiasm, empathy and commitment to making everyone feel valued are sure to make 2026 a memorable year for our boarding community. Her goal to foster genuine connections across all year groups, while encouraging each girl to be her authentic self, perfectly reflects the Mercy values that underpin life at Santa Maria College.
Congratulations, Bronagh. We can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll have as our 2026 Head Boarder!
- 2026HeadBoarder, BoardingCommunity, BoardingLifeatSantaMaria, CatholicGirlsEducation, CompassionateLeadership, Featured, MercyValuesinAction, SantaMariaBoarding, StudentLeadership, StudentVoice
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.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 7, Term 3
Celebrating the Role of Fathers and Father Figures – Year 7 Fathers Day
