Rosemary Simpson: From Santa Maria College to Educational Leadership
At Santa Maria College, we believe in nurturing young women to become leaders of compassion and excellence. Rosemary Simpson (Clarke, 1967) embodies this spirit beautifully. She graciously shares her journey from our College to making a profound impact in education.
A Close-Knit Community of Empowerment
Back then, Santa Maria College was a smaller community, with just one Year 12 class of about thirty girls, split evenly between day students and boarders. “We were like family,” Rosemary recalls, highlighting the annual catch-ups they still cherish nearly 60 years later. This close-knit environment fostered lifelong bonds and a strong sense of belonging. The friendships formed at Santa Maria have been a source of support and joy throughout her life, illustrating the power of community and the lasting impact of school relationships.
Role Models of Continuous Learning
The faculty at Santa Maria, predominantly women and Sisters of Mercy, were pillars of inspiration. “Our nuns were excellent role models who taught us to be in control of our own lives,” Rosemary remembers. Their dedication to furthering their education at UWA deeply impressed her, instilling the value of lifelong learning. The sight of teachers rushing back to the convent to grab their books before heading off to university classes left a lasting impression on Rosemary. It was a powerful lesson in the importance of continuous personal and professional development that she carried forward into her career.
Cultivating Empathy and Social Responsibility
Santa Maria also ignited a passion for service. Rosemary fondly recounts volunteering at the Northbridge Soup Kitchen and spending weekends with orphans from the Catherine McAuley Foundling Home. These experiences shaped her compassionate outlook and commitment to helping others. Volunteering taught her the importance of giving back to the community and understanding the struggles of those less fortunate. Through these acts of kindness, Rosemary developed a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility, values that have guided her throughout her life and career.
A Career Shaped by Compassion
Unsure of her career path, Rosemary followed her family’s footsteps into teaching. However, she soon realised her calling lay in special education. “I needed something more challenging,” she shares. Her pursuit led to a Graduate Diploma in Special Education and a rewarding career helping students with diverse needs. This shift was influenced by the empathy and service values instilled at Santa Maria. As she transitioned from mainstream teaching to special education, Rosemary discovered her passion for working with students with intellectual disabilities, severe social and behavioural problems, and dyslexia. This journey underscored the importance of specialised support and individualised learning plans in education.
Leadership and Advocacy
As the principal of a Language Development Centre, Rosemary championed the integration of education and speech pathology. “When these disciplines combine, magic happens!” she asserts. Her leadership extended to the Western Australian Primary Principals Association, where she encouraged female teachers to embrace leadership roles, reflecting the strong female role models from her school days. Rosemary’s advocacy work focused on amplifying women’s voices in education and promoting gender equality in leadership positions. She worked tirelessly to create opportunities for female educators to step into leadership roles and influence educational policies.
Tracks to Literacy
Rosemary co-founded Tracks to Literacy with her business partner, Laura. Their mission is to bridge gaps in language and literacy support in mainstream schools. Their collaborative approach has significantly benefited students, especially those from EAL/D backgrounds. “We wanted to show schools that high-level support can transform student outcomes,” Rosemary explains. Tracks to Literacy combines education and speech pathology to create comprehensive support systems for students. By addressing the unique needs of each student, they have been able to significantly impact language, literacy, and social outcomes, especially in schools with large populations of students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Balancing Career and Family
On a personal note, Rosemary shares her fulfilling journey with her husband, Chris, a marine scientist, and their two children. Balancing career and motherhood was challenging but rewarding. “It’s definitely worth the effort!” she emphasises. “I feel lucky to be supporting educators to improve the oral language skills of their students.” The experience of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities taught Rosemary valuable lessons in time management, resilience, and prioritisation. She believes that balancing professional aspirations and personal life is essential for overall wellbeing and fulfilment.
Addressing Stark Realities
Rosemary highlights the critical importance of early language exposure. “Students from professional backgrounds arrive at our schools with exposure to 30 million more words than their disadvantaged counterparts,” she notes. The disparities are alarming, as evidenced by a recent study at Banksia Hill, a juvenile detention centre in WA, where half the inmates have language difficulties. This stark reality underscores the need for targeted interventions and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Rosemary’s work aims to bridge this gap by providing resources and expertise to schools, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.
A Message of Empowerment
Rosemary’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and making a difference. She encourages young women to pursue their dreams and find careers that give their lives purpose. “When you care deeply about something, it drives you forward,” she concludes. Her journey from Santa Maria College to becoming a leader in education serves as an inspiration for current and future students. Rosemary’s message is clear: with dedication, empathy, and a passion for continuous learning, young women can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.
We extend our thanks to Rosemary for sharing her inspiring story with our community. Her dedication and achievements are motivation for current and future students, demonstrating that with empathy, perseverance, and a passion for continuous learning, they, too, can make a significant difference in the world.
- Alumni Spotlight, Educational Leadership, Featured, Language Development, Women in Education
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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