What does it mean to belong to the Santa Maria community long after graduation? Mary Heavens reflects on alumni connection, Mercy values, and why compassion, respect, service and courage still shape life, leadership and community in today’s world.
Presidents Report – June 2026 Read More »
The CIGS Annual Foursomes Golf Event for Alumni is a golf day for alumni of participating independent girls’ schools in Western Australia. Santa Maria College alumni are invited to take part on Monday 21 September 2026 at Mt Lawley Golf Club. Players need to be alumni of a participating school and hold a current Golflink number. Register interest with Nina Howie by the end of July.
Calling Santa Maria Alumni Golfers for the 2026 CIGS Annual Foursomes Event Read More »
Expressions of interest are now open for alumni who would like to join the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association Committee. The committee helps strengthen lifelong connections between past students through events and initiatives that build belonging, celebrate alumni achievements, and support the ongoing spirit of the Santa Maria community. Alumni from a range of backgrounds and graduation years are encouraged to apply.
Join the OGA Committee – Expressions of Interest Now Open 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 »
Santa Maria College past student Jessica Pinto (2016) has built a career centred on compassion, service, and global health. Inspired by her volunteering experiences at school, Jessica went on to become a Registered Nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital and completed a Master of Public Health. Through her ongoing volunteer work locally and overseas, including a community health project in the Philippines, Jessica continues to embody the spirit of “Giving Back with Heart.”
Jessica Pinto (2016) – Giving Back with Heart Read More »
Class of 2024 graduate, Ellie was recognised as the Young Volunteer of WA for her work with Citizens Advice Bureau WA and Lightbulb Skills. While studying Law and Commerce, she created a Criminal Injuries Compensation Handbook to make legal processes more accessible for people navigating trauma. Ellie credits Santa Maria’s Service Learning program with inspiring her passion for volunteering, advocacy and community impact.
Ellie Vrankovich – Creating Change Through Compassion and Advocacy Read More »
The joint Aquinas and Santa Maria alumni event will be held on Friday 18 September 2026. It is being organised by the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association Committee in partnership with Aquinas College and will bring together alumni from both Colleges for an evening of reconnecting, conversation, drinks, and light refreshments.
Save the Date – Joint Aquinas College & Santa Maria College Event Read More »
We are launching our 2026 Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series with an evening featuring distinguished past student Dr Carmen Lawrence. The event includes a special Q&A session exploring her career in psychology, politics, education, and social change. It will be held at Santa Maria College on Wednesday 10 June from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm.
Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series with Dr Carmen Lawrence Read More »
Olivia Taliangis’ dance journey is a story of persistence, mentorship, and growth. A Santa Maria graduate from the Class of 2022, she overcame self-doubt, completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts at WAAPA in 2025, and now works as a performer, choreographer, and dance teacher. Her story shows how trusted teachers and a strong sense of purpose can help a young person keep going when they are close to giving up.
Olivia Taliangis – The Girl Who Never Walked Away 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 »
Santa Maria College alumni can look forward to several upcoming events in 2026. These include a joint alumni event with Aquinas College later in the year, a movie night at Windsor Theatre Nedlands in late July, and the Pleiades Meeting hosted at Santa Maria College in August. The update also encourages support for the College’s Winter Appeal.
From the President – May 2026 Read More »
Valentina Raffal’s career change story shows how she moved from corporate banking into building a jewellery business with her sister. After travelling and becoming a mother, she prioritised flexibility and family, using her transferable skills to grow a successful brand. Her journey highlights that career paths can evolve over time and success is defined individually.
From Corporate Climb to Creative Calling: Valentina Raffal (2004) Read More »
Santa Maria College is inviting alumni to submit an expression of interest to speak in the 2026 Explore8 program. Explore8 is a real-world learning experience for Year 8 students focused on research, problem solving and innovation in response to community and global challenges. Guest speakers help students connect ideas to lived experience by sharing their career journeys, challenges and impact.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026 Read More »
For Therese Mavros (1986), the stage at Santa Maria was more than a place to perform. Her story reflects how the arts shape confidence, connection and lasting memories, while inviting alumni to help create those same opportunities in the new Cultural Centre.
Therese Mavros: The Stage Stays With You Read More »
Santa Maria’s new Cultural Centre is beginning to take shape, and alumni are already leaving their mark through the Take Your Seat campaign. With 128 seat dedications already received, this is a meaningful chance to honour your story and be part of what comes next.
A New Chapter in Santa Maria’s Cultural Story Read More »
Santa Maria past student Jemima Reid (2018) is earning major recognition in the resources industry, recently named Outstanding Young Woman in Resources for 2026. Her story of resilience, leadership and practical advice for young women makes this a powerful and timely read.
Jemima Recognised as Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Read More »
From Head Girl and College productions to WAAPA, screen roles and new creative work, ‘Ana Ika’s story is full of courage and momentum. Read how Santa Maria helped shape her confidence, her love of performance and the path she is now forging in the arts.
From Head Girl to the Stage and Screen – ‘Ana is Following Her Passion Read More »
Our alumni community is already off to a strong start in 2026, with record reunion attendance and exciting milestones ahead, including the opening of our new Cultural Centre. Discover how the spirit of sisterhood continues to shape the Santa Maria story.
From the President – March 2026 Read More »
Reconnect with fellow alumni at our next Sisterhood Alumni Networking Series event, featuring award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Cassie Silver (Class of 2006). Be inspired, grow your network, and hear firsthand how she’s leading in media and social enterprise. Places are limited, so secure your ticket today.
Ready to Reconnect, Be Inspired and Expand Your Network? 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 »
Nearly 11 years after graduating, one Santa Maria alumna is leading powerful conversations around mental health, consent and women’s safety through her work with We Are WM.
From the Kimberley to Community Advocate: Bridey’s Story Read More »
Past student Letisha Carozza (2016) has been awarded the prestigious AMA WA Gold Medal for excellence in Medicine. Her journey of resilience, service and courage is a powerful reminder of what Mercy women can achieve.
AMA WA Gold Medal for Letisha Carozza Read More »
From dancing at age three to directing for WA Opera, Pia Harris (2001) has built a career on passion, people, and purpose. Discover how she’s now empowering the next generation through music and community.
From Stage Lights to Community Spotlight – Pia Harris (2001) Read More »
From the corporate law world to the forefront of integrative mental health, Julia Hassall (Class of 2003) is transforming lives across the US and beyond. Discover how her time at Santa Maria helped shape a journey grounded in courage, compassion and meaningful change.
From Corporate Law to Conscious Healing – Julia’s Journey of Purpose and Impact 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 »
From singing Gregorian Chants at St Columba’s to leading in the arts across Melbourne and London, Rosalin Sadler’s (1960) journey began at Santa Maria College. Now back in South Perth, she reflects on the friendships, faith and foundations that shaped a lifetime of creativity, courage and giving back.
My Days at Santa Maria College – Rosalin Sadler (1960) Read More »
Starting off the year with our first blog post from our Alumni President, Mary Heavens, full of community spirit, upcoming events, and ways for every graduate to reconnect and give back.
From the President – February 2026 Read More »
Abbey Sullivan (Class of 2022) has been awarded UWA’s Berndt Memorial Prize for Anthropology. Discover how her journey from Santa Maria to university is inspiring a future shaped by empathy, creativity, and purpose.
Abbey Sullivan (Class of 2022) Receives Prestigious Berndt Memorial Prize Read More »
When her daughters left for boarding school, Dr Teresa O’Brien faced the quiet ache many rural mothers know all too well. In this powerful reflection, she opens a much-needed conversation on identity, grief, and rediscovery beyond the role of mother.
Living the Empty Nest – A World Beyond Mothering – Dr Teresa O’Brien (1982) Read More »
From dancing at age three to directing for WA Opera, Pia Harris (2001) has built a career on passion, people, and purpose. Discover how she’s now empowering the next generation through music and community.
From Stage Lights to Community Spotlight – Pia Harris (2001) Read More »
