Santa Maria Goes Purple for a Cause
Today, Santa Maria College was a sea of purple as students and staff came together to celebrate Purple Bra Day, a fun yet meaningful initiative to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer support.
Organised by our Student Leadership Council, Purple Bra Day is more than just dressing up. It is a day to stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer, to share important messages about early detection and prevention, and to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care WA. This local organisation provides specialised breast care nursing, counselling, and financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer – all without any government funding. Every dollar raised today will help them continue to offer these essential free services.
Why It Matters
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, but it affects men too. On average, approximately 55 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day – meaning 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. These are not just numbers; they represent friends, family, and members of our own community. That’s why awareness, education, and support are so important.
Head Girl Annika, shares whey Purple Bra Day is important to her: “Today is important to me because our community comes together to raise money for a cause that affects so many people in our community. Breast cancer effects people and families in many ways, including my own family, so raising awareness and funds, and seeing the support and engagement of staff and students, is extremely special. “Â
Fun, Food, and Fundraising
The day was filled with colour, laughter, and the sound of sizzling sausages. At recess, students enjoyed hot chips, delicious baked treats, and a crowd-favourite the Year 12 Ball Dress Parade that had everyone smiling. Lunchtime brought the much-anticipated sausage sizzle, refreshing drinks, and the always-popular staff vs students BRA-sketball game, which drew plenty of competitive spirit and gold coin donations.
Every purple outfit, every cake sold, every gold coin dropped into a bucket contributed to our fundraising, and every contribution will help someone in our community.
A Student with a Passion
As part of Purple Bra Day, talented seamstress and Year 7 Student Stella, wanted to do more to help. She approached her Dean, Claire Newton and wanted to make cancer caps, to donate to Breast Cancer Care WA. Inspired by a family friend with breast cancer, Stella sewed 10 caps for this worthy cause.
Making a Difference Together
Events like Purple Bra Day remind us of the power of community. Many in our community have been touched by breast cancer, and today was a chance to show that we care, that we are learning, and that we are committed to making a difference.
One inspiring example came from Year 7 student Stella, a talented seamstress who wanted to go above and beyond. Moved by the experience of a family friend with breast cancer, Stella approached her Dean, Claire Newton, with an idea to sew cancer caps to donate to Breast Cancer Care WA. With skill, determination, and a generous heart, Stella sewed 10 beautiful caps, each one a symbol of comfort and compassion for someone in need.
A huge thank you to the Student Leadership Council for their organisation and enthusiasm of Purple Bra Day, to Stella for her extraordinary generosity, and to everyone who dressed up, donated, cooked, baked, and participated. Your efforts help provide hope and practical support to those who need it most.
Together, we have turned Santa purple – and together, we are making an impact.
- BreastCanceCareWA, BreastCancerAwareness, CommunityFundraising, Featured, GirlsEducation, MercyValues, PurpleBraDay, SantaMariaCollege, SocialResponsibility, StudentLeadership
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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