Sacha Stronach – A Creative Force Behind the Canvas
If you have stepped foot into the Santa Maria Art Department, chances are you have encountered the warm smile and artistic energy of Sacha Stronach (Booth, Class of 1989), our Art Technician. But what you may not know is that Sacha’s connection to the College stretches across generations, as a student, a parent, and a long-standing staff member.
A Creative Journey Comes Full Circle
Sacha first walked through Santa Maria’s gates as a passionate Art student, graduating in 1989. She fondly remembers the Art Department as her ‘safe haven’, a sentiment she says still holds true for today’s students.
Her love for the Art Department saw her continue as a volunteer after graduation with Thelma Cluning, then Head of Art, helping with exhibitions and stepping in as a fill-in technician. In 1999, she was officially appointed to a permanent role, a position she held until 2006, and then joyfully returned to in 2021.
“Coming back to the College is like coming home,” Sacha says. “I can’t express enough how grateful I am to be back doing what I love at Santa Maria.”
Neurodiversity as a Strength
Sacha was diagnosed as neurodiverse later in life, and she views it not as a challenge but a unique lens that fuels her creativity and problem-solving.
“My job allows me to use the wide variety of skills I have developed over the years. It is perfect for someone like me who thrives on variety and can keep a lot of balls in the air.”
Her days are never dull. Whether she’s curating exhibitions, assisting students, managing equipment and budgets, or getting her hands dirty, Sacha embraces the diversity of her work with energy and ingenuity.
Memories Etched in Clay and Community
One of Sacha’s achievements is her involvement in the original Mercy Tiles project, created during the Great Jubilee in 2000. The hand painted tile panels surround the Mercy Walk, and in this latest Jubilee year, she is hoping to restore and expand this meaningful legacy.
Sacha’s creative path has taken many forms over the years – freelancing, volunteering, ceramics decorating at La Maiolica Pottery, teaching art to children, and even a stint as a performing arts technician. But it’s at Santa Maria that she feels most at home.
A Mentor and Friend
Known for her special rapport with students, Sacha loves watching them explore new ideas and grow in confidence. It’s a full-circle moment when she now sees Year 12 students who once attended kindy with her own son at Mel Maria!
Sacha embodies so many of the College’s Mercy values, particularly Excellence, Hospitality, and Compassion, while also modelling attributes like creativity, resilience, and adaptability.
After the Bell
Outside of work, Sacha likes to unwind with family and friends. She cherishes creative days crafting with her children, her nieces and their friends, keeping the art alive wherever she goes.
From performing in school productions like The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, to keeping in touch with her school friends to this day, Sacha’s Santa Maria story is one of heart, creativity, and belonging.
- AlumniSpotlight, AlumniStories, ArtTechnician, CreativeEducation, Featured, MercyValuesinAction, SachaStronach, StaffSpotlight, StudentMentorship, VisualArtsProgram
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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