Year 5 – Where Bravery Begins and Bonds Are Built
Year 5 can be a turning point in a young girl’s education, a time when she’s ready for greater independence, deeper friendships and new challenges. For families considering a change, it’s a wonderful moment to step into a dynamic learning environment designed to nurture confidence and curiosity. Our Year 5 program offers girls a head start on building strong connections, adapting to new opportunities, and developing the resilience that will carry them through their schooling years.
We spoke with our four inspiring Year 5 teachers – Angela Perry, Jessica Mamistvalov, Rebecca Smith, and Lindsey Fitzgerald – about what makes teaching this year group so special and what growth they’ve seen in their students during Term 1. Their reflections are filled with heart, humour, and a deep understanding of what it means to support girls as they find their voice and place within our College community.
Each teacher brings a unique approach, but what unites them is their commitment to creating a classroom that feels like a second home, a space where courage is cultivated, independence is encouraged, and connections run deep.
Angela Perry
What do you love about teaching Year 5
Teaching is more than just a profession for me; it’s a passion that brings immense joy and fulfillment. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Year 5 teacher is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my students. Each student brings a unique personality and perspective to the classroom, and getting to know them on an individual level is incredibly enriching. These relationships form the foundation of a supportive and engaging learning environment. Another reason I love teaching is witnessing the growth of my students.Â
What growth have you noticed in your students over Term 1?
It’s truly inspiring to see my class (5.5) progress academically, mastering new concepts and skills over time. But the growth I cherish most goes beyond academics. Watching my students mature emotionally, develop resilience, and gain confidence in their abilities is a privilege. These moments of personal growth are often the most impactful and memorable.
Jessica Mamistvalov
What do you love about teaching Year 5
I love teaching Year 5 at Santa Maria as we meet new students to the school and get to support the first part of their journey at the College. Year 5 students are developing their own strong opinions and ideas about the world, and I enjoy hearing their perspective, as we learn through all the interesting topics across the year.Â
What growth have you noticed in your students over Term 1?  It has been wonderful to see the many social connections form, and students become more confident in themselves. They navigate the College with ease and what was once daunting is now familiar. They become more comfortable being themselves and have such terrific enthusiasm towards all the programs and opportunities presented to them. Term 1 is such a massive step for the girls. It is amazing to witness them dig deep and discover their bravery.
Rebecca Smith
What do you love about teaching Year 5
Teaching Year 5 at Santa Maria is wonderful because we get to welcome the students to their first year at the College. All of the students are new, and it is fantastic to see them develop their independence and resilience in their foundation year. Our class is a team, and I love watching the students support each other in their learning and social-emotional growth. I love that we can share a joke or a tear, we are all in this together!
What growth have you noticed in your students over Term 1?
So far this year, I have noticed that the students have grown the most in their independence and confidence. They follow the routines of the class and the College as if they have been here for years. Their dedication to their learning has also grown, and they have adapted well to the opportunities offered here.
Lindsey Fitzgerald
What do you love about teaching Year 5?
I love nurturing the girls through their transition to Santa Maria and supporting them to develop their social connections in the classroom and wider College community. I also love some of the topics and this term especially, delving in to our ‘Earth Explorers’ where the girls get to become Earth Heroes. This leads into our term finale, which is Fearless5, where they tackle real-world problems. I am always amazed at their solutions.
What growth have you noticed in your students over Term 1?
I have seen my students develop their confidence within a new setting, become more tech savvy with their new laptops and participate in house events with enthusiasm and real team spirit.
Where Growth Meets Courage
These reflections reveal not just a passion for teaching, but a clear understanding that Year 5 is a time of incredible growth, discovery and a chance to shape an important stage in a girl’s learning journey.
From mastering new technology and navigating the College campus to finding their voice and tackling real-world challenges, our students are learning what it means to be brave, compassionate and curious, qualities we hold dear at Santa Maria College.
To our wonderful Year 5 team, thank you for your dedication, your humour, and your heart. And to our Year 5 students, you are well on your way to becoming empowered young women, one fearless step at a time.
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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.
