Shining Bright – Recognising our Years 5 & 6 Successes
What a wonderful celebration of our Year 5 and 6 students as our school community gathered to celebrate our Year 5,6 Awards Morning. The event recognised academic effort and achievement, living our Mercy values and contributions to our community by our youngest cohort.
An Inspiring Message from Our Principal
In her address, Principal Jennifer Oaten drew inspiration from the song Golden from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, reminding students that each student is “bright, strong, and full of potential.” She encouraged them to reflect on their own “golden moments” of 2025, those small but meaningful times when they felt proud or joyful.
She shared examples of golden moments found in classrooms, leadership, sport or simply having another go when something felt challenging. Mrs Oaten reminded the girls to be proud of their strengths, because what makes them unique is their “gold”, their own superpower.
Her message encouraged students to see the strength and unity when they help each other to shine. That their power grows stronger when they support each other and when they choose to be brave together. She said “When your friends shine, cheer for them. When someone is still finding their way, encourage them. When someone achieves something you wish you could, celebrate them anyway, because someone else’s light does not make yours dimmer.
A Morning of Talent and Joy
The Awards Morning came alive with vibrant performances that showcased the talents and enthusiasm of our Years 5 and 6 students. The Year 5 Beginner Band, Junior Guitar Ensemble, Years 5 & 6 Choir, and a dynamic Years 5 & 6 dance performance brought energy and joy to the occasion.
Recognising Excellence and Effort
The heart of the celebration was the presentation of awards to students who have demonstrated dedication, effort and a strong commitment to their learning throughout 2025. These awards acknowledge academic progress as well as personal growth, community spirit, and the perseverance that defines our learning culture.
Success shows up in many different ways, and our students demonstrated that today. Through learning, leadership and kindness each girl continues to shape her own unique story of growth.
Congratulations to all our award recipients and performers. As Principal Jennifer Oaten shared in her closing message: “When you unite as one, when you listen, support and believe in each other, that is when the real magic happens.”
- Academic and Creative Excellence, Girls' Education Perth, Junior School Highlights, Mercy Values In Action, Primary School Celebrations, Santa Maria College Primary, Santa Maria Community Events, Student Achievement 2025, Student Growth and Resilience, Years 5 and 6 Awards
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.
Sophia, Building Beauty, Confidence and a Business
Santa Maria past student Sophia Whimp (2022) has built a successful home beauty business by combining creativity, resilience and a commitment to authentic client relationships. In this Q&A, she reflects on the lessons she learned at school, the challenges of starting a business at a young age, and the advice she has for students hoping to turn their passion into a career.
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