Reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope – Jennifer Oaten
As we reach the end of 2025, we reflect on a year lived fully within the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. When the Jubilee began in January, we were invited to embrace renewal, strengthen our connection with God, grow our communities, promote unity, and look for hope in our everyday lives.
Now, as the year draws to a close, it is clear that our Santa Maria community has lived that invitation in many meaningful ways. Hope has been visible in countless small moments across the College. These are the moments that shape who we are.
Hope in Our Students
Our girls bring life to our campus. Their curiosity, kindness, and willingness to grow have been a constant source of encouragement. Whether stepping into new learning experiences, navigating challenges, or supporting friends, they have shown strength of character and heart.
One moment that stayed with me this year was seeing two students sit beside a girl who was having a difficult morning. They did not say much. They simply stayed with her. It was a quiet expression of the hope and compassion we want our girls to carry into the world.
Our Year 12 students, who graduated in October, completed their journey with dignity and purpose. Knowing these incredible Mercy women will go out into our communities and make a difference gives me great hope in a world faced with many challenges.
Hope in Our Staff
Across classrooms, offices, boarding houses, and every corner of the College, our staff have given their very best. They have guided, encouraged, listened, taught, and supported. Their care has created an environment where girls feel safe and valued.
I think of a morning when a staff member walked alongside a student through the Mercy Walk, offering reassurance as she began her day. These quiet acts of support happen often, and they matter. Throughout this Jubilee Year, our staff have lived the spirit of “Pilgrims of Hope” by walking alongside our girls with patience and generosity.
Hope in Our Families
Families have played a central role in the strength of our College this year. Parents have partnered with us with honesty, encouragement, and trust. Whether attending events, supporting learning at home, or providing stability in busy times, families have helped shape a community grounded in care.
Your presence, your faith in us, and your support of your daughters have contributed greatly to the spirit of hope across this Jubilee Year.
Our Faith and Values in Action
We were delighted to complete the renovations of our beautiful Chapel, the heart of our faith community. This space has provided many opportunities for students to engage with their faith through Rosary and Mass, as well as for quiet prayer and reflection.
Mercy Day captured everything we value as a Mercy community.The service, the sense of togetherness, generosity and celebration. Watching students and staff work side by side, raising funds and celebrating our heritage, reminded us that the spirit of Catherine McAuley and our Mercy values continue to guide us. Our values were not only spoken about this year. They were lived.
Walking Together as a Community
The Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” reminds us that we journey together. This year, our students, families, and staff have supported one another with kindness and care. Through challenges and celebrations, our strength has come from community walking the journey together.
Jubilee calls us to renewal. As we enter the Christmas break, I hope every member of our community finds time to reconnect with their faith and families, and to rest and restore energy. May this be a time of peace and joy, and may each of us notice the blessings that have carried us through the year.
As we look toward 2026, we carry the same spirit of hope that has guided us throughout this Jubilee Year. I am confident that the year ahead will bring new opportunities for learning, growth, and connection for our girls and our community.
Thank you for the care, spirit, and commitment you have brought to Santa Maria College in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Our community is shaped by the people within it, and 2025 has shown that clearly.
May hope continue to guide us.
May Christmas bring rest, joy, and renewal.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.
- Catholic education, Catholic girls’ education Perth, Compassion and service, Faith In Action, Featured, Inspirational school stories, Jubilee Year of Hope, Mercy Values, Santa Maria College, School community, Student Wellbeing
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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