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Celebrating Visual Art at Santa Maria – Art Day 2026 Read More »

Art Day filled the Mercy Gallery with colour as students painted portraits, created murals, made bracelets and joined in activities throughout the day. For our Year 12 Visual Art students, it was also a chance to celebrate one of their final Art Days together at Santa Maria.

Year 10 Students Discover New Skills at Try-A-Trade

Year 10 Students Discover New Skills at Try-A-Trade Read More »

The Try-A-Trade program gives Year 10 students practical experience across a range of trade occupations. Through hands-on projects and teamwork, students develop new skills while exploring education, training and career pathways that can help inform their future subject and career choices.

Lianne Recognised for Outstanding PLEAWA Competition Entry

Lianne Recognised for Outstanding PLEAWA Competition Entry Read More »

Year 10 student Lianne was recognised as the best entry in the Year 10 section of the PLEAWA Competition for her infographic on offshore detention in Australia. Her research explored the intersection of human rights, government policy and international law, demonstrating thoughtful analysis and effective communication.

Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre

OGA Blog

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.

Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre Read More »

Investing in Our Staff, Investing in Our Students

Careers Blog, News Blog

The Parent Levy Professional Learning Grant at Santa Maria College provides funding for staff to undertake further study that aligns with the College’s Strategic Plan and Mercy values. The grant helps staff build new knowledge and skills that enhance teaching, student support and school improvement. In this story, Emma Wood, Head of Sport, shares how completing a Graduate Certificate in Education (Careers Development & Counselling) is already benefiting students and the wider College community.

Investing in Our Staff, Investing in Our Students Read More »

The Official Opening of Our Cultural Centre – Jennifer Oaten

The Official Opening of Our Cultural Centre – Jennifer Oaten Read More »

The Santa Maria College Cultural Centre is a purpose-built home for performance, creativity and community connection. It includes the 642-seat Djinda Theatre, Kaarlak dance studio, Trócaire black box theatre and Catherine Courtyard. The Centre honours the College’s Mercy heritage, Whadjuk Noongar language and long history of music, drama and performance.

Etching the Past into the Future

Etching the Past into the Future Read More »

The Santa Maria College Knowledge Walk is a permanent public artwork integrated into the ceramic floor tiles of the College’s Cultural Centre. Created by past student Ellen Norrish (2010), it features 87 drawings of historical objects, including photographs, songbooks, scripts, poems and sketches. The artwork preserves and shares stories from the College’s founders, staff and students.

Walking Together – The Lasting Impact of the Punmu Immersion

Walking Together – The Lasting Impact of the Punmu Immersion Read More »

The 2026 Punmu Immersion gave our Year 12 students far more than memories. Their reflections reveal how connection, service and learning from the Martu community shaped lifelong friendships, broadened perspectives and created an experience they will carry well beyond Santa Maria.

Past Student Inspires Civics Education for Students

Past Student Inspires Civics Education for Students Read More »

Civics education helps students understand how they can participate in Australian democracy beyond voting. Through the Vote Like program, developed by Santa Maria past student Monique Ziegelaar (Class of 2013), Year 10 students explored advocacy, public campaigns and parliamentary debate, building their confidence to discuss issues and influence change.

Respect. Regardless. Exploring Empathy, Inclusion and Understanding

Respect. Regardless. Exploring Empathy, Inclusion and Understanding Read More »

Respect. Regardless. brought Year 12 students from Santa Maria and Aquinas together to listen, reflect and challenge assumptions about identity, belonging and mental health

Year 5 History Excursion to Fremantle Prison

Year 5 History Excursion to Fremantle Prison Read More »

A Year 5 Fremantle history excursion helps students understand the development of the Swan River Colony through direct observation. By visiting Fremantle Prison and the Round House, students examine historical evidence, compare different periods and ask questions about daily life, punishment and justice.

Mercy in the Past: Mercy for the Future – Jennifer Oaten

Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

Mercy education in Western Australia began when Ursula Frayne and the Sisters of Mercy arrived in 1846 to educate girls and serve those in need. This week Mercedes College, St Brigid’s College and Santa Maria College continue that shared heritage through values such as compassion, justice, service and hospitality. The article reflects on a joint gathering that marked 180 years of Mercy in Western Australia and considered what this legacy calls educators to do now.

Mercy in the Past: Mercy for the Future – Jennifer Oaten Read More »

Year 12 Geography Students Explore Sustainable Urban Planning in Perth

Year 12 Geography Students Explore Sustainable Urban Planning in Perth Read More »

Year 12 Geography fieldwork helps students apply classroom learning by investigating real examples of sustainable urban planning. During this Perth excursion, students examined urban infill, renewal, transport networks and sustainable development across several locations while developing observation, data collection and analytical skills required for the ATAR Geography curriculum.

Sister Kathy’s Journey of Faith and Service

Sister Kathy’s Journey of Faith and Service Read More »

From Perth to the East Kimberley, Kenya, Malaysia and Zambia, Sister Kathy’s life shows how faith can become practical service alongside women and communities. Read her reflections on vocation, Mercy, cultural learning and the small acts of presence that can change a life for the better.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026 Read More »

NAIDOC Week at Santa Maria College gave students a meaningful way to reflect on 50 years of history, strength and legacy through learning across the week. From homeroom activities to a powerful student dance performance, this story captures a shared moment of respect, culture and community.

Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening Strengthens Connections

Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening Strengthens Connections Read More »

The Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening at Santa Maria College gave students and their fathers or significant male role models time to connect through shared experiences. The evening included an Adventure Quest through Fremantle followed by a celebration at Bathers Beach House, creating opportunities for teamwork, conversation and lasting memories. The event remains a valued tradition because it strengthens relationships during an important stage of secondary school.

Jennifer Oaten meeting with senior student leaders around the boardroom table over morning tea.

What Students Want From Their Education Today – Jennifer Oaten

What Students Want From Their Education Today – Jennifer Oaten Read More »

Students want an education that prepares them for life, not only exams. In this article, Santa Maria reflects on student feedback showing that young people value relationships, confidence, problem-solving, collaboration and clear learning. It also explains how the College is responding through its Connecting Learning to Life framework and emPOWER projects.

Girls4Girls Day Brought Pink, Purpose and Plenty of Heart

Girls4Girls Day Brought Pink, Purpose and Plenty of Heart Read More »

Girls4Girls Day at Santa Maria College is a student-led fundraising day that supports Mercy Works programs for girls in Papua New Guinea. The event combines community activities such as free dress, a bake sale, a sausage sizzle and a staff versus student match with a clear focus on justice and service. Funds raised help support girls’ education, safety and opportunity.

Reflection Days – A Journey of Faith, Identity and Growth

Reflection Days – A Journey of Faith, Identity and Growth Read More »

Reflection Days at Santa Maria College help students explore faith, identity, relationships and purpose in age-appropriate ways. Years 7, 8 and 11 students engage in reflection, discussion and activities focused on personal growth, social justice and leadership through service. These experiences support spiritual, emotional and personal development throughout their school journey.

The 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival

The 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Read More »

House pride was on full display at the 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival, as students from Years 5 to 12 gave their all in a full day of track, field and novelty events.

A Santa Maria College student speaking at a lectern in front of her peers during a school assembly.

It Is Not Failure They Fear; It Is Being Judged – Jennifer Oaten

It Is Not Failure They Fear; It Is Being Judged – Jennifer Oaten Read More »

The fear of being judged can be a significant barrier for adolescent girls, often affecting participation, friendships, and confidence more than fear of failure itself. Research discussed in the article links this fear to loneliness and social withdrawal, especially in the early secondary years. The article encourages parents to respond with listening, honest conversation, and small steps that help girls build social courage.

Eco Sisters Put Justice Into Action At Blackwall Reach Reserve

Eco Sisters Put Justice Into Action At Blackwall Reach Reserve Read More »

Five Santa Maria girls planted 540 native understory plants at Blackwall Reach Reserve, turning a Sunday morning into practical action for the environment.

Strong Results at the JIGSSA and IGSSA Cross Country Carnival

Strong Results at the JIGSSA and IGSSA Cross Country Carnival Read More »

Santa Maria girls showed determination, courage and strong team spirit at the JIGSSA and IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Alderbury Reserve on Monday 15 June.

What a Mining Excursion Can Show a Year 10 About Her Future

What a Mining Excursion Can Show a Year 10 About Her Future Read More »

A visit to Hancock Iron Ore’s Remote Operations Centre gave Year 10 students a practical look at STEM careers in action, from environmental science to operations and data. It is the kind of experience that helps girls ask a bigger question: could this be part of my future?

A group of Year 12 students gathered with Principal Jennifer Oaten in the foyer of the new Cultural Centre.

What Leading a Major School Build Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten

What Leading a Major School Build Taught Me – Jennifer Oaten Read More »

Leading a major school build requires patience, clear values, and the willingness to make difficult decisions over several years. This article explains how Santa Maria College brought its new Cultural Centre to completion, from early master planning and redesign challenges to heritage preservation, teamwork, and the leadership lessons learned along the way.

Winter Appeal Brings Comfort, Dignity and Hope

Winter Appeal Brings Comfort, Dignity and Hope Read More »

The Santa Maria College Winter Appeal supports local organisations assisting people experiencing hardship during winter. Through donations from students, families, staff and alumni, the College community provided practical support to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society and The Shopfront, helping them meet growing demand for essential items and services while reinforcing the Mercy values of Compassion and Service.

Sisterhood Series Begins with Dr Carmen Lawrence

Sisterhood Series Begins with Dr Carmen Lawrence Read More »

Dr Carmen Lawrence spoke at Santa Maria College’s Sisterhood Series, sharing lessons from her journey from a Wheatbelt upbringing to becoming Australia’s first female State Premier. She discussed leadership, community participation, critical thinking and the progress women have made in public life. Alumni were encouraged to stay curious, engaged and guided by purpose.

Year 12 Biology Steps Beyond the Classroom