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LATEST KNOWING GIRLS
When Friendships Change – Jennifer Oaten
Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour involving a power imbalance, while friendship conflict can involve disagreements, changing friendship groups or moments...
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Do You Have Someone To Turn To? – Jennifer Oaten
Teen loneliness is not simply about spending time alone; young people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Research...
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The Official Opening of Our Cultural Centre – Jennifer Oaten
The Santa Maria College Cultural Centre is a purpose-built home for performance, creativity and community connection. It includes the 642-seat...
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Mercy in the Past: Mercy for the Future – Jennifer Oaten
Mercy education in Western Australia began when Ursula Frayne and the Sisters of Mercy arrived in 1846 to educate girls...
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What Students Want From Their Education Today – Jennifer Oaten
Students want an education that prepares them for life, not only exams. In this article, Santa Maria reflects on student...
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It Is Not Failure They Fear; It Is Being Judged – Jennifer Oaten
The fear of being judged can be a significant barrier for adolescent girls, often affecting participation, friendships, and confidence more...
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What Leading a Major School Build Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten
Leading a major school build requires patience, clear values, and the willingness to make difficult decisions over several years. This...
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The Pressure To Be Everything – Jennifer Oaten
The pressure to be everything can leave young women feeling that no amount of effort is ever enough. This article...
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Not Every Girl Needs to Be a Leader – Jennifer Oaten
Not every girl needs to hold a formal leadership role at school to be growing well. This article explains that...
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What Watching Students Grow Up Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten
Watching students grow up shows that young people need to feel seen, supported and believed in as they develop. The...
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She Would Never Say That to Her Face – Jennifer Oaten
Cyberbullying among teenage girls often happens within existing friendship groups rather than between strangers. Online communication can remove the emotional...
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The Women We Keep Close – Jennifer Oaten
Female role models for girls help shape identity, belonging and emotional wellbeing. This article explains that daughters learn not only...
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The Quiet That Changes Everything – Jennifer Oaten
Quiet time is essential for teenage girls because it supports mental processing, identity formation, and emotional wellbeing. Without constant stimulation...
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The Truth And Lies In Social Feeds
Social media misinformation affects teenagers because algorithms reward attention, emotion and repetition rather than truth. Parents can help by discussing...
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Why Family Meals Matter for Girls’ Wellbeing – Jennifer Oaten
Family meals can support girls’ wellbeing by strengthening connection, resilience and mental health. The article explains that shared meals are...
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Where The Outdoors Can Take Them – Jennifer Oaten
Outdoor education for girls helps build resilience, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. This article explains that camp experiences...
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Why Girls Stop Playing Sport – Jennifer Oaten
Research shows many girls stop playing sport around age 15, often because of study pressure, body image concerns, and the...
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Why a Sense of Belonging at School Matters – Jennifer Oaten
Belonging shapes how a girl learns, connects and grows, and it often begins in the small moments of school life....
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Girls and Risk, The Conversation That We Need to Have – Jennifer Oaten
Why do girls sometimes avoid risk? Discover how Santa Maria’s wellbeing and emPOWER programs help students build confidence by tackling...
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What Good Teaching Really Looks Like – Jennifer Oaten
Step inside our classrooms and see how our teachers refine their craft so every girl is supported to think deeply...
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Why I Believe the Arts Will Define the Next Generation of Leaders – Jennifer Oaten
See how the arts are shaping creative, confident leaders at Santa Maria and why our new Cultural Centre matters.
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When the Research Catches Up to What Parents Already Know – Jennifer Oaten
New research confirms what many families already sense: delaying smartphones protects your daughter’s wellbeing, sleep and confidence. Discover why waiting...
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Reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope – Jennifer Oaten
From quiet acts of kindness to joyful community moments, discover how the spirit of hope shaped Santa Maria College in...
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The Girls We Have Not Met Yet – Jennifer Oaten
What we build today shapes the girls we haven’t met yet. Discover how Santa Maria College’s new Foundation and Take...
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What Your Teenager’s Negativity Is Really Telling You – Jennifer Oaten
Why is your daughter so negative lately? It might not be what you think. Discover how understanding her emotions and...
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Why Inclusion Matters for Mental Health – Jennifer Oaten
What does genuine inclusion look like, and why does it matter so much to our students' wellbeing? Jennifer Oaten unpacks...
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Preparing Your Child For High School – Jennifer Oaten
Starting high school is a big step,for students and parents alike! Principal Jennifer Oaten shares practical, reassuring advice to help...
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Career Decisions In An Uncertain World – Jennifer Oaten
My son graduated from school, chose engineering because he got the marks needed and his friends were doing it. 6...
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Farewelling The Class of 2025 – Jennifer Oaten
WWith pride and gratitude, we farewell the Class of 2025, young women who leave Santa Maria not just with achievements,...
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Supporting Your Daughter Through Final Exams – Jennifer Oaten
Final exams can feel overwhelming for students and parents. Discover thoughtful, practical ways to support your Year 12 daughter through...
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