Staff Profile: Joanna Ryan, Dean of Students, Years 5 & 6
What is your role at Santa Maria?
I am the Dean of Students, Year 5 and 6. I’m here to bond with the girls, assist the teachers and be a point of contact for the parents. Basically, I do all I can to keep us pulling together as one happy family.
How long have you worked at the College?
This is my sixth year teaching at Santa Maria I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else now!
Why did you become a teacher?
I’m one of those lucky people who always knew what they wanted to do. There’s something special about being able to share knowledge with others.
What are you enjoying most about your new role?
I love building and strengthening relationships with the staff, parents and most importantly students at Santa Maria. I’m lucky to work with a very talented group of teachers in the Doyle building. We’re growing stronger as a team every day and continue brainstorming ideas to help the girls unlock their full potential. Taking on the new role has been a challenge in all sorts of positive ways – and reminded me of how our students feel when stepping out of their comfort zone too!
What bought you to Santa Maria College?
When I started out as a teacher I wanted to try as many different experiences as possible, so I’ve taught in a wide array of places. I taught in Wyndham, a remote community of about 800 people. I went abroad, to the International School in Malaysia. I moved to Sydney to teach in an exclusive boys’ school. Eventually, I found my way to Santa Maria to fulfil my dream of teaching girls. It’s been an adventure!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a homebody, I’m not the kind of person who has exciting weekends. I’m really happy hanging out with my husband while we watch the kids play sport. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that are the nicest.
Santa Maria Teams Shine in Term 1 Sports
Santa Maria had a huge number of girls in the IGSSA AFL and Volleyball competition with strong results for a number of teams.
Lee-Elle’s Insights from the ‘Make it 16’ Forum
Lee-Elle Cooper is a passionate Year 12 student who advocates for youth engagement and political participation. She has recently returned from the Make It 16 Forum in Canberra.
With Laurissa Knowles From Valley Depths to Mountain Peaks (1993)
Laurissa Knowles (1993) has had an incredible career journey so far, from Santa Maria College Teacher to Celebrant and Councillor.
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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.
