Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening Strengthens Connections
Some of the best memories are made when we simply spend time together. That was certainly the case at this year’s Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening, where our Year 11 students and their fathers or significant male role models stepped away from their busy schedules to enjoy an afternoon and evening of adventure, laughter and connection.
Beginning with an interactive Adventure Quest through Fremantle before finishing at Bathers Beach House, the evening provided a wonderful opportunity for families to step away from their busy routines, enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories together.
Adventure, Teamwork and Plenty of Laughs
The afternoon began outside Bather’s Beachhouse before teams moved off to complete a series of fun challenges, problem-solving activities and photo tasks. Guided by Adventure Quest, participants navigated their way through the course using teamwork, communication and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
The activities encouraged fathers and daughters to work together while also getting to know other families, creating new connections and sharing plenty of laughs along the way.
Celebrating Together at Bathers Beach House
Following the Adventure Quest, everyone gathered back at Bathers Beach House to relax, enjoy cocktail-style food and celebrate the evening together.
As the sun set over Bathers Beach, guests reflected on the day’s adventures before the dance floor filled with student and dads enjoying the music together. The announcement of the winning Adventure Quest teams added another exciting moment to an evening already filled with smiles and celebration.
Reflections
Dean of Year 11, Mat Puljiz, reflected on the significance of the evening, saying, “It was wonderful to see the genuine connection between our Year 11 students and their fathers and father figures. The event provided a valuable opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, enjoy time together and strengthen the special bond they share.”
For Zara, one of the standout moments came later in the evening on the dance floor.
“My highlight was watching all the dads and daughters on the dance floor singing and dancing. All the girls gathered in the middle while the dads stood around the outside, watching proudly. It was a beautiful reminder of how much their daughters had grown and all the friends they were surrounded by.”
Her dad, Simon, agreed the evening was one to remember, saying, “The event was a lot of fun, and I especially enjoyed the Karaoke TikTok and Air Guitar challenges.”
Sophie and her dad, Carl, also enjoyed the opportunity to connect, not only with each other but with the wider Year 11 community.
Carl reflected, “Two things I took away from the evening. Firstly, grown men don’t jive like they used to. Secondly, to socially mix with the girls, where the fathers get as much attention as their best friends, made me feel very included, the relaxed atmosphere was enjoyable, and I left with a sense of greater bond with the whole group, fathers and daughters.”
Sophie shared, “My highlight of the night was the Amazing Race activity because although we didn’t win, it was enjoyable to see the different ways each group worked together to be creative to get the most points, as well as getting to have a laugh at dads’ dance moves.”
Building Lasting Memories
The Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening continues to be a valued tradition at Santa Maria College because it celebrates something simple, yet incredibly important – spending quality time together.
As our Year 11 students prepare for their final years of secondary school, opportunities like these strengthen relationships, encourage meaningful conversations and create memories that will be treasured long after graduation.
Our thanks go to our Year 11 families, Adventure Quest and the staff who helped bring the evening together, creating an opportunity for meaningful connection and memories that will last well beyond the night itself.
- Family Connection, Featured, Fremantle event, meaningful relationships, Parent Daughter Events, Santa Maria College community, School traditions, Year 11 Father–Daughter Evening, Year 11 students
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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