Real Skills, Real Success – Emily & Bella’s TAFE Triumph

April 4, 2025

It’s not every day we get to celebrate not one, but two of our Year 12 students being recognised across WA for their hard work and talent, but that’s exactly what happened recently at the South Metropolitan and South Regional TAFE Awards.

Meet Emily and Arabella (Bella), two of our Year 12 boarders and ACCESS students who’ve absolutely smashed their TAFE studies, and we are thrilled to share their stories.

Bella’s Woolly Adventure

Bella was awarded a Certificate of Excellence through South Regional TAFE, one of just seven students recognised across the Katanning and Narrogin campuses.

She completed her Certificate III in Wool Handling in 2024. The theory was delivered online through TAFE and the practical work was completed at various shearing locations and the Australian Wool Network in Bibra Lake.

“From my TAFE experience, I was able to make connections and networks in the industry through work placement and also getting a job in this industry. Also, gaining the ability to work and study independently will help me complete the pilot program.” Bella

Some of Bella’s tasks included:

Stocktaking bales of wool
Attending sheep auctions and sale yards
Sorting wool
Spray painting sheep

In 2025, Bella will continue her education through Fremantle Education Centre, studying for a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support.

Her story reflects not only hard work and adaptability, but also the Mercy values of Service, Courage, and Excellence.

Emily’s Standout Moment

Emily was awarded the prestigious VET Secondary Student of the Year through South Metro TAFE. The Award Night was held on Monday 31 March, and was attended by Emily’s family, close friends, and Santa Maria staff, Maryanne Hughes and Odette Bancilhon.

Emily was selected for this award for her consistent commitment to her studies, the extra effort she always put in, and her natural leadership in supporting fellow students. She was known for being the first to finish her assignments and for leading by example.

In 2024, Emily completed a Certificate II in Hospitality through South Metro TAFE. In 2025, she is studying a Certificate III in Flight Attending (Cabin Crew) at Jandakot Airport, also through South Metro TAFE.

Her work placement experience is extensive and includes:

Jellybeans Child Care Centre, Attadale
Freo Fringe Hairdressing, Fremantle
Styled For Selling Interiors, Belmont
Boddington District High School

“I have learned that no matter the boundaries set by your learning, nothing is stopping you, and there are always people cheering you on who are ready to help you when you don’t know the answer; they’re just a question away.” Emily

Emily’s journey demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a strong sense of direction, all key qualities supported through Santa Maria’s ACCESS pathway.

Learning for Life in Action

Both Emily and Bella are brilliant examples of what the ACCESS program at Santa Maria is all about, real-world learning, independence, and building career-ready skills while still at school.

Their stories show how Mercy values and our Learning for Life strategy come to life in practical, meaningful ways. These young women are not just learning, they’re leading.

A Well-Deserved Congratulations

We are so proud of Emily and Bella for their commitment to their TAFE studies and for taking the initiative to explore their passions.

Their achievements are a testament to their resilience and dedication, and a great reminder of what’s possible when students are empowered to take ownership of their learning.

ACCESS, Featured, SantaMariaCollege, StudentAchievement, TAFEAwards, WomenInTrades

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.