Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
There was a wonderful sense of pride, connection and celebration as we welcomed past students back to the College for a special alumni event marking the opening of our new Cultural Centre.
The event brought together generations of past students, offering a chance to reconnect with one another, revisit familiar faces and celebrate an exciting new chapter in the College’s history. It was an opportunity to see the remarkable new facilities for the first time and reflect on how the College continues to grow while honouring its rich heritage.
A Choir to Remember
One of the highlights of the evening was a spectacular performance by a specially formed Alumni Choir. Made up of 42 past students from the Classes of 1971 to 2025, the choir united to perform on stage in the new theatre. Their performance was met with a standing ovation, creating a memorable moment that reflected the enduring bonds formed through music and the lasting connection alumni have with the College.
Sofia Basso (2019), who was part of the Alumni Choir, said, “Being part of the alumni choir was such a delight, and being able to see the current generation of SMC girls performing brought back so many fond memories of my time in performing arts and choir at Santa. I also wanted to extend my gratitude to Mr K and Ms Hux for their continuing efforts and unwavering passion for the arts. It felt like coming home!”
Bringing the Cultural Centre to Life
Throughout the evening, more than 300 performers showcased the extraordinary talent that has long been a hallmark of Santa Maria College. Music, dance and drama filled the Cultural Centre, bringing the new performance spaces to life and demonstrating the important role the arts continue to play within our community.
Elizabeth Wilkes (Woodgate, 1984) said the evening was a joyful celebration. “I was thrilled to share the night with my three daughters Emily, (2014), Kate (2015) and Jessica (2018). Generations of passionate Old Girls were welcomed into the glorious new Cultural Centre, where the evening sparkled with friendship, treasured memories, and shared pride in Santa Maria’s artistic achievements. Congratulations to all the talented performers. You entertained us, moved us, inspired us, and even brought a happy tear or two. And heartfelt congratulations to Jennifer Oaten, Tim Stewart, and the College team for creating something extraordinary – a stage for dreams, a gathering place for our community, and a lasting gift for generations of students to discover and showcase their voices and talents. Thank you for sharing the magic with the SMC Old Girls.”
A Lasting Legacy
For some guests, the evening carried even greater significance. Alumni who had participated in the College’s Take Your Seat campaign had the opportunity to see their personalised plaques for the first time, proudly displayed on the Djinda Theatre seats they had dedicated. It was a special moment, knowing their contribution will become part of the experiences of generations of students and audiences for many years to come.
A Community That Always Feels Like Home
The evening was more than a celebration of the new building, it was a celebration of community. It highlighted the lifelong connection so many alumni continue to have with Santa Maria College and the friendships, memories and shared experiences that bring them back time and again.
Karen Kailis (Glass, 1974) shared, “The feeling of (still) belonging was a somewhat, unexpected and lovely surprise, personally, and felt extra special in the company of five of my Class of 1974 fellow-graduates, who all appreciated this was a once-off event.”
As the performances concluded, one thing was clear: while the Cultural Centre represents an exciting future for the College, it is the people who fill it with music, creativity and connection that make it truly special.
- Alumni Choir, College History, Community Connections, Cultural Centre, Djinda Theatre, Featured, Mercy Education, old girls, Performing Arts, Santa Maria College alumni, Santa Maria Events
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.
Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
Santa Maria College alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the College’s new Cultural Centre, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the role of the arts in the community. The evening featured performances by current students and a 42-member Alumni Choir, highlighting the lifelong connections and shared experiences that continue to bring Old Girls back to the College.
From the President – August 2026
The August 2026 Old Girls’ Association President’s Report provides an update on upcoming meetings and alumni activities at Santa Maria College. President Mary Heavens outlines plans for the Pleiades Gathering, the inaugural Santa Maria College and Aquinas social event, and the Golden Girls’ lunch welcoming the Class of 1976.
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