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 »
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.
The Official Opening of Our Cultural Centre – Jennifer Oaten 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.
Walking Together – The Lasting Impact of the Punmu Immersion Read More »
Rae Cooper’s recollections provide a rare firsthand account of life at Santa Maria College during its earliest years. As one of the College’s first students, she shares memories of starting school in 1938, wartime experiences, school traditions, friendships and the Mercy Sisters who helped shape the Santa Maria community.
Reminiscences of My School Days at Santa Maria 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.
Sisterhood Series Begins with Dr Carmen Lawrence Read More »
Teachers choose education for many different reasons, including inspiring mentors, a love of learning, and the opportunity to support young people. In this article, experienced and early career teachers from Santa Maria College share what first inspired them to teach and what continues to make the profession meaningful. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, curiosity, encouragement and community in education.
Santa Maria College in Perth has a long-established performing arts community centred on choir, ensemble, and performance. Madison Pinto (2024) shared how the music department was a formative space for her building resilience, empathy, and confidence.
Madison Pino – Can’t Stop the Music Read More »
Santa Maria College students recently competed in the da Vinci Decathlon at The University of Western Australia, a challenging academic competition involving schools from across the state. Students competed in ten disciplines including Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking and Art and Poetry, achieving the College’s strongest results to date. The experience highlighted students’ teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm for learning under pressure.
Brilliance Under Pressure at the da Vinci Decathlon Read More »
Karen Abercromby (Santa Maria College, Class of 1980) is a Cultural Heritage Planner at the City of Perth with over 35 years of experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. Her work involves assessing the cultural significance of historic places and working with communities and traditional owners to conserve them for future generations. Her career began with a childhood fascination with a heritage farmhouse in Como and was deepened by cultural geography studies at Santa Maria College. She now leads heritage conservation initiatives for the City of Perth, including work connected to the founding convent of the Sisters of Mercy.
The Geography of Heart – Karen Abercromby (1980) Read More »
Social media misinformation affects teenagers because algorithms reward attention, emotion and repetition rather than truth. Parents can help by discussing where information comes from, checking reliable sources together and encouraging deep reading. Santa Maria College supports students to evaluate sources and understand how algorithms shape what they see online.
The Truth And Lies In Social Feeds Read More »
Year 10 students have begun the AMSSA Student Conference, joining Mercy peers across Australia and New Zealand to reflect on leadership, service and compassion in action. Guided by the theme Shining Lamps, they are already exploring how to live Mercy with courage and purpose.
How Year 10 Students are Growing Through the AMSSA Student Conference Read More »
Relay For Life brought Year 8 and 9 students together for an evening of fundraising, friendship and reflection, all in support of cancer research. From the candlelight walk to student-led initiatives, this was a powerful example of compassion in action.
Relay 4 Life Brings Years 8 and 9 Together for a Cause That Matters Read More »
Why do girls sometimes avoid risk? Discover how Santa Maria’s wellbeing and emPOWER programs help students build confidence by tackling real challenges.
Girls and Risk, The Conversation That We Need to Have – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
In just four weeks, our students brought As We Face the Sun to life in a powerful outdoor performance that marked the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As we prepare to open our Cultural Centre, this remarkable production showcased the confidence, creativity and courage that define a Santa Maria education.
Facing the Sun and Stepping into a New Chapter Read More »
Step inside our classrooms and see how our teachers refine their craft so every girl is supported to think deeply and achieve her best.
What Good Teaching Really Looks Like – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
From a standing ovation at our Senior Drama Production to Olympian-led volleyball workshops and meals prepared for those in need, this week showcased the many ways Santa Maria students lead with courage and compassion. Here’s a glimpse into the energy, talent and Mercy spirit in action across our College.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 1, Week 5 Read More »
When the rain rolled in, our Years 5 and 6 girls rose to the occasion. From handmade House signs to determined dives off the blocks, this year’s Swimming Carnival was a powerful reminder that true school spirit shines brightest when challenges appear.
2026 Years 5 & 6 Swimming Carnival Read More »
What happens when a real film crew arrives on campus? Our students didn’t just watch – they stepped into the spotlight, gaining hands-on industry experience as part of the launch of our new Cultural Centre.
Lights, Camera, Opportunity – Students Step Onto the Set Read More »
From the Santa Maria drama room to national comedy stages, Andrea Powell (Class of 1984) is turning laughter into connection and courage. Discover how her bold creative journey is inspiring the next generation to “fail joyfully” and find their voice.
Leading with Laughter – Andrea Powell’s Creative Legacy Read More »
Year 6 student Ruby is stepping onto the Crown Theatre stage this March, cast as one of four Little Anastasias in Anastasia the Musical. Discover how she’s balancing rehearsals, school and big dreams as she embraces this unforgettable opportunity.
Ruby Takes to the Crown Stage Read More »
What happens when passion meets opportunity? Year 11 student Eve shares how her National Summer Art Scholarship at the National Gallery of Australia opened her eyes to creative careers, lifelong friendships, and a future in fine arts.
Eve’s National Gallery Art Residency Read More »
From first-time Year 7 swimmers to our spirited Year 12 leaders, this year’s Interhouse Swimming Carnival was full of energy, teamwork and unforgettable milestones. Discover the records broken, the cheers that echoed through HPC Stadium, and the house pride that defines Santa Maria College.
2026 Interhouse Swimming Carnival – Years 7 – 12 Read More »
From celebrating Christmas in Provence to navigating ten-hour school days in Italy, our students returned from exchange with greater confidence, resilience and a broader view of the world. Their stories reveal how language learning becomes something far more powerful, connection, courage and lifelong growth.
Language Students Embrace Exchange in Italy and France Read More »
From exploring ocean ecosystems with our Artist in Residence to discovering the solar system at the Perth Observatory, Week 3 was full of curiosity, creativity and connection. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant learning experiences shaping our students across every year level.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 3, Term 1 2026 Read More »
Laughter, nostalgia and shared stories filled the College as alumni from across the decades returned for the 2026 OGA Reunion—celebrating milestones, memories and lifelong connections.
A Night of Memories and Milestones – 2026 OGA Reunion Read More »
Santa Maria College proudly celebrated 117 students at the Semester 2, 2025 Achiever’s Club lunches this week, recognising the dedication, resilience and effort behind their academic success. These special lunches reflect our strong learning culture and commitment to supporting every student to achieve their personal best.
Celebrating the Commitment Behind the Results Read More »
What does it mean to come full circle? Alumni Georgia Portlock returns to Santa Maria College as a teacher, bringing the values, memories and sense of belonging that shaped her own journey back into the classroom for today’s students.
From Student to Teacher – Georgia Portlock (2020) Read More »
Year 12 student Naomi Karczub has received the Santa Maria College’s 2025 Mercy Shining Lamp Award, recognised for her compassionate leadership, service, and commitment to Mercy values in action.
Naomi Receives the 2025 Shining Lamp Award Read More »
From heartfelt prayers to joyful dancing, our Year 6 Celebration Day captures the spirit of growth, gratitude and girlhood. See how our students marked this milestone and stepped boldly toward Year 7.
A Joyful Farewell – Year 6 Celebration Day Read More »
What happens when Mercy leaders gather with purpose? The 2025 AMSSA Conference was a powerful celebration of connection, spiritual growth, and shared mission. Discover how three days at Santa Maria College brought new energy to Catholic education across Australia and New Zealand.
Community, Connection & Celebration – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
