Year 9 Students Drive Social Change with Strive9
At Santa Maria College, we believe in empowering our students to make a meaningful impact on the world. Through our emPOWER Learning Projects, students are equipped with real-world skills and encouraged to connect their learning with life, driving positive social change. Our girls are not just inspired to learn but to lead, combining empathy and capability to make a difference.
For Year 9 students, this journey culminates in the Strive9 program, a unique opportunity to take charge of a project that impacts their community and beyond. Having honed research and planning skills in Seek7 (Year 7) and Explore8 (Year 8), the girls are ready to turn their passions into action. Strive9 empowers them to choose causes close to their hearts and take real steps towards meaningful change.
This student-driven initiative raises awareness of critical issues such as environmental sustainability, community support, and global challenges. Along the way, students develop essential skills like teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking while deepening their understanding of core values such as compassion, justice, empathy, and service.
Through these initiatives, our Year 9 students not only positively impact the community but also gain invaluable life skills, preparing them to be leaders of tomorrow.
Corbett
Corbett House created care packages for essential workers to acknowledge their hard work for their often thankless jobs.
“I most enjoyed working collaboratively as a homeroom to help the local community around Santa Maria College, and I hope we could serve beyond that.” Alicia, Corbett
Byrne
Byrne House had to come up with hands-on crafting activities to assist with hand-eye coordination for the children at Village Early Learning in Hilton.
“The day at the daycare was very fun, and I learnt lots of things from the experience. They let us connect and bond with the children. They also let us play and have fun with them.” Vasana, Byrne
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De La Hoyde
De La Hoyde House spent the day brightening the lives of aged care residents at Regency Gardens in Booragoon, engaging in fun activities and creating special memories.
“I loved the experience and am so glad we connected with the happy community at Regent Gardens. One of my favourite residents was John, who shared inspiring stories and told us about his family.” Ariane, De La Hoyde
Dillon
Dillon House visited Caralee Community School, spending time with both students and aged care residents and fostering intergenerational connections.
“A highlight of the day for me, was seeing the kids at recess, and we were so happy to reflect on our primary school nostalgia. I am so grateful to help for just one day in order to impact a larger community.” Jade, Dillon
Frayne
Frayne House hosted a morning tea featuring inspiring guest speakers Michelle Blakely, founder of My House, and Soa Palelei, CEO of Face Your Fears, raising awareness about homelessness. They raised a total of $1,200.00!
“My favourite part of the morning tea was helping serve all our guests and learning how homeless people feel on a day-to-day basis, including their mental health struggles and the housing crisis.” Rose, Frayne
Kelly
Kelly House gathered essential items over the term to create care packs delivered to Ruah House, a shelter for homeless women and children.
“This experience was no only meaningful for the women who received our support but also for us as a homeroom. Knowing that our efforts helped improve someones day or provided them comfort during a difficult time, made the entire project so much better.” Amelie, Kelly
O’Reilly
O’Reilly House spent the day at Jilbup Primary School, where they organised various fun activities for the students to enjoy and get involved in.
“I really enjoyed the Strive9 experience. I especially enjoyed engaging with the students at the school at recess and lunch, and it was amazing was connections you can foster in a day.” Summer, O’Reilly
O’Donnell
O’Donnell House spent time with the students at Mater Christi Catholic Primary School where they helped plant plants in the gardens around the school.
“I really enjoyed going to Mater Christi Catholic Primary School and helping them build a beautiful garden for their students, staff, community, and parish to enjoy. We met lots of amazing children with big dreams for their future.” Ivy, O’Donnell
- Community, emPower, Featured, Strive9
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.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 10, Term 3 2024
A Blend of Science, Art & Culture
