They Live What They Teach – The Lifelong Power of Movement
The Health & Physical Education (HPE) team at Santa Maria College is not just passionate about sport, they are in it, boots and all. Whether it is footy, netball, running or hockey, these educators lead by example, showing students that physical activity does not stop at graduation, it is something to carry for life.
Weekends often find them on the field, in the gym or heading out for a run. They span a wide age range, from their mid-20s to 40s, yet many are still playing the same sports they loved as juniors. It is more than just professional alignment; it is a personal commitment.
Here is just a glimpse of how they stay involved:
- Julie Schubert just completed the Sydney marathon.
- Anita Sprigg can be found leading the College cross-country team for their sessions or in a Pilates or Yoga studio
- Parris Laurie – 3-time Perth Football League A Grade Women’s Fairest and Best (2023, 2024, 2025).
- Claudia Langley has just retired from the Subiaco WAFLW group
- Jordan Snadden is playing for the Subiaco WAFL side
- Olivia Gamble and Emma Wood will both be playing hockey Grand Finals this Saturday (fortunately not against each other)
- Taryn Kalat challenges herself with trail running and other fitness events such as HyRox.
- Arianna Verios and Tahlia Andrews, if they are not training for the Rotto swim or on the Netball court, they are frequently in the gym with students.
- Melissa Laurino remains a key player on the netball court.
- Caitlyn Brown, triple Jill McIntosh medallist and West Coast Fever player.
- Tom Kendall still charges around the basketball court, and many of our students are coached by him at community basketball.
- Kate Goes is taking a break from the hockey field, but can still be found in the BikeBar studio.
- Di Burton is 15 km into her 75km Remember September Charity Walk.
For this team, staying active is not something extra they squeeze in. It is something they prioritise, even in the midst of teaching, coaching, and family life.
Many began these sporting journeys early, shaped by positive experiences and supportive mentors. Now, as educators, they are passing that legacy on, fostering the same love of movement in their students.
Their continued involvement sends a powerful message, sport does not end when school does. It evolves with you. The benefits, like improved wellbeing, confidence, friendships, and joy do not have an expiry date.
By living what they teach, the HPE team goes beyond curriculum. They are modelling resilience, balance and lifelong wellbeing, and that is a lesson students will carry long after the final whistle blows.
- Featured, Fitness, Health, HPEDepartment, PhysicalEducation, PowerOfMovement, SantaMariaCollege, SMCStaff, StaffWellbeing
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.
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