Student Wellbeing

Six Santa Maria students sitting on the lawn together in conversation, laughing, with College buildings behind them.

Do You Have Someone To Turn To? – Jennifer Oaten

Careers Blog, Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

Teen loneliness is not simply about spending time alone; young people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Research highlighted in the article suggests that regular face-to-face contact, belonging to a group and strong relationships with parents can help protect teenagers from persistent loneliness. Asking directly and creating opportunities for genuine connection can help parents understand how their daughter is really feeling.

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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

Careers Blog, Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

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.

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A Santa Maria College senior student in winter uniform writes intently in her notebook, seen in profile. Her expression is focused and serious. Other students are visible but softly blurred in the background.

The Pressure To Be Everything – Jennifer Oaten

Careers Blog, Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog, Uncategorized

The pressure to be everything can leave young women feeling that no amount of effort is ever enough. This article argues that the real issue is not simply a full schedule, but the expectation to keep adding more in order to feel successful. It suggests that choosing fewer commitments and going deeper can support confidence, self-knowledge and wellbeing.

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A high school girl in a dark Santa Maria College blazer sits alone at a long table, deeply focused on writing or sketching on a piece of paper with a pencil.

Not Every Girl Needs to Be a Leader – Jennifer Oaten

Careers Blog, Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

Not every girl needs to hold a formal leadership role at school to be growing well. This article explains that quiet, thoughtful girls often contribute in meaningful ways through friendship, study, creativity and character, and that confidence and influence may develop later in life. It encourages parents to recognise what their daughter is already doing, rather than measuring her against visible leadership roles.

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A teenage girl's hands hold a smartphone above a soft bed, with a messaging app open and her thumb resting near the screen.

She Would Never Say That to Her Face – Jennifer Oaten

Careers Blog, Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

Cyberbullying among teenage girls often happens within existing friendship groups rather than between strangers. Online communication can remove the emotional cues that normally shape empathy and restraint, making hurtful comments easier to send. Group chats and screenshots also give words a permanence that can intensify conflict and damage relationships. The article encourages parents to discuss empathy, accountability and respectful communication with their daughters before they press send.

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Year 7 Camp 2026 - girls on a raft they have built.

Where The Outdoors Can Take Them – Jennifer Oaten

Knowing Girls, News Blog, OGA Blog

Outdoor education for girls helps build resilience, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. This article explains that camp experiences give girls genuine challenge, time in nature and opportunities to work things out for themselves. It argues these moments are especially valuable in a world where many young people have less unstructured outdoor time.

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