The School Experience You Wish You Had – Jennifer Oaten
Every now and then, I hear someone say, “Education has not changed.” That always makes me smile.
When I look at what our Santa Maria students experience in a single term, from diving certifications to climate change investigations, Harmony Day festivals to AI conversations, I am reminded that not only has education changed, it is thriving in ways many of us never imagined when we were students.
When I speak with families on tours, I often hear, “I wish I could go back to school!” Whether it is our stunning facilities or the creative, real-world learning on display, it is clear this is not the same school experience many of us remember. That is something worth celebrating.
We often say that we only capture a snapshot of school life in our blog stories, and that is true. But even this ‘snapshot’ speaks volumes about how we are delivering on our commitment to prepare students for a changing world, grounded in the values that matter most. Here is a glimpse into how our Term 1 activities have aligned with our five strategic pillars:
Faith
Our commitment to nurturing the spiritual lives of our students remains strong. This term, students have had opportunities to deepen their connection to faith, reflect on their values, and act with compassion.
From Lent reflections to Year 5 spiritual formation, our girls have engaged deeply with the values of compassion, mercy and service. Caritas Day, our fundraising focus for Term 1, was about understanding global injustice and how we can all be agents of change, while raising funds for those less fortunate.
Connecting Learning to Life
We are dedicated to making learning relevant and engaging. This term, students experienced how their classroom learning connects to real-world contexts across industries, environments, and future pathways.
Forget textbooks alone. This term, students: investigated climate change during a Geography field trip to the Wheatbelt, explored marine life at AQWA, gained diving qualifications through the PADI program, explored career options in the mining industry, participated in the UniReady program to prepare for university, and stepped into the world of vocational education through the Year 9 TAFE careers experience.
Social Innovation
Developing socially aware, confident young women is at the heart of our work. This term, students explored big ideas and demonstrated leadership, voice, and empathy in action.
In a rapidly evolving world, our students are developing the skills to lead with empathy and adapt with courage. They have tackled online safety and led International Women’s Day initiatives, developing confidence, voice, and awareness of the world around them.
Community Activation
Relationships are the foundation of our College. We have continued to foster belonging and connection through shared experiences that bring people together.
Whether it is House spirit roaring at the swimming carnival, the warm embrace of our Father-Daughter Camp, an evening reconnecting with alumni, or the relaxed conversations at our Parent Sundowner, community continues to be the heart of who we are.
Financial Sustainability
Behind the scenes, strategic investment and planning support the learning, faith, and wellbeing initiatives our community values. This term, those investments continued to come to life.
While this pillar often works quietly in the background, it is what enables all of the above. The exceptional facilities that leave visitors saying “I wish I were back at school” are not just beautiful, they are purposeful, and they are built through careful planning and stewardship.
Every investment, from swimming pools to science labs, supports our goal of preparing students for life beyond school. One of the most exciting projects currently underway is the construction of our new Cultural Centre, which will serve as a hub for creativity, performance, and community gatherings for years to come.
A Final Word on the Future
And of course, no summary of this term would be complete without mentioning AI. The buzz is everywhere, from dinner table conversations to media headlines. While some focus only on the risks, here at Santa Maria, we are focused on the possibilities. It has been incredibly encouraging to see how our staff and students are embracing these changes with curiosity and a willingness to grow.
We are not waiting for the future to arrive; we are preparing for it. We are asking, how can AI enhance teaching and learning? How can it unlock creativity and productivity for our staff? And most importantly, how can we ensure our girls are ready for the careers and ethical challenges that lie ahead?
This term we surveyed parents for their views on what skills they believe are essential for the future. I was genuinely heartened by the alignment between their feedback and our Learning for Life framework. Parents highlighted the importance of communication, resilience, critical thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
They also called for greater emphasis on financial literacy, real-world experiences, and partnerships with industries. It reaffirmed to me that we are on the right track. As a school, our mission is not only to educate but to nurture young Mercy women who are confident, compassionate, and well-prepared for life. Knowing that our community shares that vision is both affirming and inspiring.
Education has changed and nowhere is that more evident than here. At Santa Maria, we are not only keeping pace with the future, we are shaping it.
- AI in Schools, Community Spirit, Faith In Education, Featured, Future-Ready Students, Innovative Learning, Real-World Learning, Santa Maria College, School Experience, Social Innovation, Student Voice
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.
From the President – May 2026
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.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026
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.
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