De La Vida, Term 1, 2015 by Santa Maria College

SANTA MARIA COLLEGE

On March 30 2015, the Ireland Tour Chorale will depart for a two-week Music performance tour to Ireland, London and Paris. The Tour Chorale was auditioned in Term 1 of 2014 and the group of 36 students has been rehearsing weekly for the past year in preparation for the tour.

De La Vida

The tour is certainly going to be an action-packed two weeks. We have a number of formal performances organised, including a concert in the Chapel at the Mercy International Centre where Catherine McAuley spent much of her time. The students are also lucky to be able to complete two days of faith development and cultural immersion at the Mercy International Centre, followed by afternoon performances and sight seeing. Over the school holidays we held an all-day rehearsal program and the students completed an introductory workshop with Deputy Principal, Mission, Mrs Helen Chaffer in preparation for their time at the Centre. The EDITION 21, TERM 1, 2015 tour will also include leading the singing for Mass over the Easter period, traditional Irish music and dance workshops, collaborations with local musicians as well as the students trying their hand at busking to gain an insight into this strong street music tradition. Of course there will also be time for some sight seeing including the Cliffs of Moher, Slane Castle, The Waterford Crystal Factory and finishing with climbing the Eiffell Tower in Paris on our final day. The students are excited to be visiting some incredible destinations in Ireland, London and Paris and we look forward to sharing details of the tour with you upon our return. A Fundraising Committee of parent volunteers has been hard at work over the past year to cover some of the miscellaneous expenses for the tour, such as the students’ tour jumpers and meal costs. We’d like to sincerely thank Fundraising Coordinator, Mr Ian Linn and Committee members Mrs Teresa Collins, Mrs Hayley Gale, Mr Aaron Gale, Mrs Monica Matthews, Mrs Diana McKenzie, Mrs Tundra Pickett, Mrs Natasha Trebley, Mrs Yvonne Urquhart, Mrs Catherine Wall, Mrs Jan Withers and Mr Steve Zaninovich. They have raised a fantastic amount of money through the Quiz Night, silent auction, raffles, cake stall and wine drive and we thank them for their efforts. The Quiz night was a fantastic success, with over 200 guests in attendance at the Melville Bowling Club, with everyone enjoying a most entertaining evening and some fantastic prizes. We’d also like to thank our very generous major donors - Rosario and Vanda Martelli of HECS Fire, Peter Young of Jetts Fitness Palmyra, Ms Kelly Gibson of Jones Ballard Property Group, Simon and Margaret Haigh of Haigh and Hastings Watch Company and Matthew Podesta of Mont Property. These local businesses all made incredible donations and we thank them for their generosity and support. We are also honoured to have received three wonderful private donations from families with daughters attending the tour and this money has covered the cost of the Chorale’s performance gowns. On Friday 27 February, the Farewell Concert was held in the McDonald Building and gave the Chorale the opportunity to perform the tour repertoire in front of an audience and also allowed the students to show family and friends the work they have completed over the past year. The Chorale has learnt nearly two hours of repertoire covering a variety of genres, including sacred, contemporary and folk repertoire as well as popular songs and musical theatre highlights. The concert showcased the exceptional performance standard the Chorale has achieved and we had a fantastic audience of over 350 attend to support the students in their final performance before departure. We were also privileged to have fourteen Sisters of Mercy in attendance, including Sister Leonie who prayed a beautiful Travelers’ Blessing over the group. We thank everyone who came along to support the Farewell Concert and thank you for making it a most memorable evening for the Music Department. On behalf of the Music Department, I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the parents for their support of the tour and for giving the members of the Tour Chorale the opportunity to be a part of what will no doubt this be a wonderful Inside Issue experience for all. I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of the students, who have committed to an extra rehearsal every week in addition to their existing Co-curricular commitments. May Road Rise up... Theirthe energy, enthusiasm and hard work have been fantastic and they will be wonderful ambassadors for the College. Director of Music, Mr Paul Kinsella, Deputy Principal, Mission, Mrs Helen Chaffer and myself are Staff Matters privileged to be accompanying the students on this inaugural Music Performance Tour and along with the students, look forward to sharing photos and stories of our time away with you at the next College AssemWhere towe now? bly.

Staff who are Old Girls

From the Principal Our Enrolment Policy has seven priorities, listed below are the top three: 1. Sisters of students currently or previously enrolled at the College; 2. Daughters of former Santa Maria College students; 3. Catholic students from Catholic Primary Schools with a Parish Priest reference. Most other Catholic Schools have priority three as their top priority. Santa Maria College has a very strong focus on community and families and this is reflected in the enrolment priority list displayed above. When our girls graduate from the College they become part of the Old Girls’ Association (OGA) and the following is part of my speech to the graduating Class of 2014. “One day most of you will take on the hardest career of all - and that is being a parent. As a parent there will be many decisions to make. One decision will be ‘Where do I want my daughter to go to school?’ I would hope, if you do not feel this way at the moment, that you will reflect on what Santa Maria College and Catholic education has given you.” It is wonderful to see the significant number of OGA members who send their daughters to their old school. This statistic is a far more reliable measure of what makes a successful school than the league tables published in the media, which focus solely on some academic achievement.

Added to this we have OGA members who undertake teacher training and return to Santa Maria College to teach at their former school. In this edition of De La Vida one of the articles features teaching and non-teaching staff who have returned to the College. We are truly blessed with their presence. While there will always be some ups and downs as students progress through their school years, there is a sense of pride in belonging to the Santa Maria College community. This pride is reflected in many ways and is not restricted to students. It is also shown amongst the teaching and non-teaching staff who love working here and by our parents who speak so positively about their experiences as a Santa Maria College community member. Mr Ian Elder, Principal

De La Vida

Contents

Published Terms 1 - 3

From the Principal..................................1

Junior School.........................................19

College News.........................................2

Parent Community.................................21

Staff who are Old Girls.........................11

Old Girls’ Association.............................23

Senior School.......................................15

Archives.................................................25

Middle School......................................17

Front cover Middle School Captain and Altar Server, Sinead Smithies (Year 9, Dillon), with Father Sean Fernandez at the College Opening Mass on Tuesday 10 February.

Published by: Santa Maria College Locked Bag 1, Melville WA 6156 T: +61 8 6330 0200 F: +61 8 9317 2838 Editor & Graphic Design: Karen Bickerton T: +61 8 6330 0230 E: delavida@santamaria.wa.edu.au Printed by: Scott Print www.scottprint.com.au

College News Staff Matters Service Awards

Staff Conference - Live, Learn

In 2014 the College implemented two new initiatives to recognise

Educational research clearly states that we need to focus on

staff for their excellence, effort and service to the College

teachers and what is happening in the classroom if we wish to

community.

improve student outcomes.

This initiative was partly in response to parent interest in being able

Santa Maria College has a vibrant staff and a culture that focuses

to be provided the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work

on improvement. On 26 and 27 February, staff engaged in a

and effort of staff members. The College also saw this as another

two-day conference, ‘Teach, Live’, with the first day focusing on

way of showing gratitude for staff commitment and service to the

teaching and learning and the second day on faith and wellbeing.

community.

Speakers were invited on both days to present a keynote address.

Parents, students and colleagues wishing to recognise staff for their effort and contribution can submit an endorsement via the College website. Since this link was activated in September 2014, fifteen submissions have been received and forwarded to individual staff members. This provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the College community to send a note of appreciation to those who are making a positive impact. Anyone interested in submitting an endorsement can follow the link http://web.santamaria.wa.edu.au/work/recognition/

Nathan Hulls, teen motivational speaker and coach, delivered an insightful presentation, ‘Welcome to My Window’. It was on the importance of teachers having a greater awareness of each individual student’s perspective on the world and the implications for this on their learning in the classroom. Dr Shane Lavery from Notre Dame University also presented an engaging workshop on why Service Learning is important. This prefaces a Term 3 Staff Day, where all staff will engage in a Service Learning activity. The remainder of the conference involved staff engaging in a variety of workshops facilitated by their colleagues. Without a

In 2014 Staff Service Awards were introduced in recognition of

doubt this was the highlight of the two days. Staff came together

staff who have served at the College for an extended period of

to learn from each other and benefit from the immense expertise

time, as a token of appreciation for their years of service and

that exists within our own people.

contribution to the College community. In 2014 the following staff received a Staff Service Award:

The conference concluded with a range of recreational activities for

For 10-15 years of service: Sue Towes, Chris Dawson, Marsha

staff to choose from; another wonderful opportunity for staff to

Pengilly, Janice Hewett, Anne Fisher, Di Valentine, Claire Newton,

further develop their collegial relationships and look after their own

Veronica Kerr, Louise Pilling, Tracy Webster, Simone Sawiris, Ilse

wellbeing.

Morey, Paul Kinsella, Danni Spark, John Wray and Lisa Bowden. For 15 years or more of service: Sonia Speca, Rod Gaynor, Coralie Martin, John Blackman, Colleen McManus, Martene Oversby, Maria Mosole, Helen Chaffer, Fatima Horta and Vince Auriemma. We thank all our staff for their commitment to the College, and encourage members of the Community to acknowledge individuals

The Staff Conference was widely well received by staff and will return in 2017. It is a highly effective means of delivering professional learning to both the teaching and non-teaching community at the College. Mrs Shani Andrews, Head of Professional Learning

for their excellence through the link above.

Baby Joy Congratulations to teachers Zoe and Ben Court on the arrival of their first child, Oliver Benjamin Court, born 14 January 2015.

01 Nathan Hulls Staff Session

Where to now? On Thursday 5 February, the College celebrated the efforts of the Class of 2014 Achievers at our annual Achievers’ Assembly. Our guest speaker was past student Simone Vitali (1985). Simone qualified as a veterinarian at Murdoch University and worked in a country practice in Albany before doing her PhD at Murdoch. She is now the Perth Zoo’s senior veterinarian. Simone appealed to the students sharing her stories with humour and warmth while informing them of the biodiversity hotspot in Perth. Simone encouraged current students to make the most of all the opportunities available to them at the College. Below is a snapshot of what the Class of 2014 will be doing this year.

Alice Anderson

Physiotherapy at Notre Dame

Eliza Banks

Taking a Gap Year and travelling. In 2016 studying Actuarial Science

Data Analysis at Curtin University.

Jessica Bennett

Double Major - Political Science/International Relations & Marketing

Danielle Butler

Studying a Bachelor of Science at UWA

Georgia Cameron

Studying Physiotherapy at Curtin University

Millie Charlton

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame (Scholarship worth $10,000)

Tiarn Chester

Diploma of Events at Challenger TAFE

Monique Chiari

Arts/Fine Arts Double Degree at University of NSW

Jade Chow

Law/International Relations at Curtin University (John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship)

Casey Clark

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Cherise Colecchia

Taking a Gap Year and travelling

Emily Daniels

Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame

Ruby Dillon

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame

Levina Doray

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science at UWA

Hannah Elsbury

Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing & Communications & Mass Media Studies at UWA

Abigail Falconer

Psychology at Curtin University

Shanya Fleming

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood & Care (0-8 years), majoring in Special Education at Notre Dame

Lucy Franklin

Bachelor of Arts at UWA

Brittany Fuller

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Leah Gadd

Nursing at Murdoch University

Amber Goerke

Double Degree Law/Arts at Murdoch (Scholarship)

Lauren Halls

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame (Scholarship worth $10,000)

Megan Harbrow

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Isabella Hardwick

Mathematics/Statistics at UWA

Abbie Harris

Foundation Year (Business) at Notre Dame

Kyra Harvey

Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in Music Education

Olivia Hunt

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Amy Hutchison

Zoology at UWA

Alice Kelly

Certificate IV Visual Art at Central Institute of Technology

College News

Simone Vitali (1985) guest speaker at Achievers’ Assembly Class of 2014 Achievers’ Assembly

College News Rachel Kernaghan

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame

Jessica Kinsman

Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) at Notre Dame

Breanna Knight

Double Major in Animal Science and Animal Health

Melissa Laurino

Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) at Notre Dame

Lucy Lefroy

Sport Science at UWA

Madeleine Lim

Engineering Science at UWA

Sophie Lucivero

Fashion Business at Polytechnic West

Giorgia Lukic

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame (Scholarship worth $10,000)

Sarah Malaxos

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Alexandra Morgan

Bachelor of Science with a view to Medicine at UWA, hoping to transfer to Bond University in May

Melanie Naisbitt

Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) at Notre Dame

Josie Oetiker

Visualisation Technologies at Curtin University

Tanya Pavlovic

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Madeleine Petchell

Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Notre Dame

Hayley Piggott

Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame

Catherine Quan

Uni Ready at Curtin University

Jessica Reid

Foundation Year (Education) at Notre Dame

Jacinta Rodgers

Working as a Medical Receptionist and plans to travel

Mae Samuels

Taking a Gap Year and travelling

Ophelia Schilizzi

Majoring in Microbiology and Immunology, and minoring in Anatomy and Human Biology at UWA

Sarah-Rose Sharp

Bachelor of Arts/Photography Illustration and Design at Curtin University

Jessica Sidi

Bachelor of Law (Hons) with Flexible Double Degree Law & International Relations at ANU (National Merit

Scholarship worth $32,500) Catherine Stanley

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Notre Dame

Kathleen Sullivan

Physiotherapy at Curtin University

Emer Walsh

Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame

Emily Wilkes

Commerce at UWA with a four-year traineeship with Price Waterhouse Coopers

Ella Winterbottom

Architecture at UWA

Amber Withers

Bachelor of Arts and then Law at UWA

Cara Wood

Commerce at Curtin University

May the road rise up... Ireland Tour On 30 March, the Ireland Tour Chorale will depart for a twoweek Music performance tour to Ireland, London and Paris. The tour is certainly going to be an action-packed two weeks. There are a number of formal performances organised, including a concert in the Chapel at the Mercy International Centre where Catherine McAuley spent much of her time. The students are also lucky to be able to complete two days of faith development and cultural immersion at the Mercy International Centre, followed by afternoon performances and sight seeing. The tour will also include leading the singing for Mass over the Easter period, traditional Irish music and dance workshops, collaborations with local musicians as well as the students trying their hand at busking

have completed over the past year. The concert showcased the exceptional performance standard the Chorale has achieved and we had a fantastic audience of over 350 attend to support the students in their final performance before departure. On behalf of the Music Department, I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the parents for their support of the tour. I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of the students, who have committed to an extra rehearsal every week in addition to their existing co-curricular commitments. Their energy, enthusiasm and hard work have been fantastic and they will be wonderful ambassadors for the College. We look forward to sharing photos and stories of our time away with you when we

to gain an insight into this strong street music tradition.

return.

A Fundraising Committee of parent volunteers has been hard

Rock Ya Socks Off!

at work over the past year to cover some of the miscellaneous

The Music Department’s final event for Term 1 was Rock Ya Socks

expenses for the tour. We’d like to sincerely thank Fundraising

Off! This concert featured the Year 10, 11 and 12 rock bands,

Coordinator, Mr Ian Linn, and Committee members Mrs Teresa

each performing a set of current and classic rock and pop music

Collins, Mrs Hayley Gale, Mr Aaron Gale, Mrs Monica Matthews,

hits. Rock Ya Socks Off! debuted in 2014 and is now an annual

Mrs Diana McKenzie, Mrs Tundra Pickett, Mrs Natasha Trebley, Mrs

event. Each band has worked hard during class time to prepare

Yvonne Urquhart, Mrs Catherine Wall, Mrs Jan Withers and Mr

the repertoire for the event. The classes brainstormed and selected

Steve Zaninovich. They have raised a fantastic amount of money

their own songs, decided on the instrumentation, constructed

through a Quiz Night, silent auction, raffles, cake stall and wine

the arrangements and rehearsed each lesson to put the show

drive and we thank them for their efforts. We’d also like to thank

together. Students also learned the basics of sound engineering

our very generous major donors - Rosario and Vanda Martelli of

and were able to set up and mix their own performance in

HECS Fire, Peter Young of Jetts Fitness Palmyra, Ms Kelly Gibson of

rehearsal.

Jones Ballard Property Group, Simon and Margaret Haigh of Haigh and Hastings Watch Company and Matthew Podesta of Mont Property. We are also honoured to have received three wonderful private donations from families with daughters attending the tour and this money has covered the cost of the Chorale’s performance gowns. The tour group are lucky to be receiving a private tour and performance opportunity in the grounds of Slane Castle and the cost of this has been generously donated by Remo and Angelina

Rock Ya Socks Off! 2015 was a great success with an audience of over 200. Our guitar and vocal teacher, Mr Taylor Cutts, performed a short set and also accompanied the Year 12 band. The finale for the evening was Mr Kinsella’s band ‘Something Without Mary’. Each of the performers did a great job and it was wonderful to have so many students there on the night to support the bands. Thank you to all who attended for helping make Rock

Emanuele.

Ya Socks Off! a fantastic evening.

On Friday 27 February, the Farewell Concert was held in the

Miss Rebecca Waterhouse, Music Teacher & Ireland Tour

McDonald Building and gave the Chorale the opportunity to perform the tour repertoire in front of an audience and also allowed the students to show family and friends the work they

Coordinator

College Production The Trojan Women “An enjoyable and beneficial experience and a great opportunity to bond with girls from other Year Groups” Alexa Teixeira (Year 12, Byrne) “New friendships, skills learnt, a wonderful experience!” Bridey Eggleton (Year 12, O’Reilly) “The production allowed me to develop my perseverance and value the results of hard work.” Kate Wilkes (Year 12, Corbett) “Trojan Women made me realise how lucky we are in this day and age” Ella Harwood (Year 10, Byrne) “I learnt how to cope with stress and started to manage my time well.” Emily Gale (Year 12, O’Reilly) “An amazing experience! I have made friends for life!” Ashleigh Hebiton (Year 11, Dillon) “It’s great to learn new skills and have fun while performing.” Emilie Pitts (Year 12, O’Donnell) “Trojan Women was such a great experience because it allowed me to understand that not every play will have a happy ending .” Sophie Maines (Year 10, Corbett) “An experience I will never forget, I became closer to everyone involved and learnt new drama skills, can’t wait for the next one!” Miette Kristofich (Year 11, Dillon) “An awesome experience and a great chance to get to know girls from other years” Ella Gorringe (Year 11, Corbett) “A memorable experience where I made many new friends and learnt much about theatre, as well as the horrific effects of war.” Ána Ika (Year 11, O’Donnell) “The first year of being in a Senior School production has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I’ve met so many new people who I will stay friends with for a long time.” Courtney Withers (Year 10, de la Hoyde) “A great show to be part of for my last production. It was so different with it being performed outside and getting to ride a horse!” Isa Cammarano (Year 12, Kelly) "A wonderful experience that allows for character building and fantastic memories!" Jacinda Lombardini (Year 12, Frayne)

National Young Leaders Day On 5 March, the Year 10 leaders headed to the Convention Centre to celebrate National Leaders Day. We were all very excited as we had some very exciting things installed for us. We were very privileged to have guest speakers such as Mike Martin, Josh Richards, Nat Medhurst, Lorin Nicolson and three panel speakers Lockie Cooke, Yassmin Abdel-Magied and Ray Tan who shared their leadership experiences. We were able to gain knowledge of what it takes to be a leader. Josh Richards is a candidate for Mars as well as a stand-up comedian. He taught us that we need to accept failure, jump for opportunities and do things that are bigger than ourselves. Lori Nicolson has been legally blind since birth and is an amazing guitar player. He taught us that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, you need to make sacrifices along the way and respect everyone, as we are all different. Through the panel speakers we learnt it takes initiative to support the idea you care about the most and ask people for help. Overall The National Young Leaders Day was

a fantastic event and we learnt many new skills we were able to take back with us to school. Courtney Hevron (Year 10, de la Hoyde)

Art Workshop

On a lazy Sunday, when Santa Maria College was at rest, the Year 12, Stage 3 Visual Art class tore apart the Art rooms in a flurry of pen, inks, spray paint and charcoal under the direction of Perth artist, Andy Quilty. Our perspective was turned upside down as Quilty encouraged us to relish an expressive use of mediums leading us to conjure works of powerful emotion and playfulness. Andy Quiltyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work explores ideas surrounding the social, psychological and physical landscape of an Australian identity. Since 2012 Andy has held four solo shows and has been a finalist for art competitions such as The Black Swan Prize For Portraiture, Sir Charles Gairdner Biennial Art Award and the Aesthetica Art Award to name a few. As a cohort renowned for our polished pieces and intricate detailing, he inspired us to ignore our misgivings and make art, for artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. Our boundaries were pushed and our creative energies emerged in an array of line, form, colour and textures. All girls produced fifteen works or more on the day which will be imperative to our bodies of work leading up to our final pieces. The day was not only tons of fun but highly rewarding. Thank you to our teacher Mrs Flora, Head of Visual Arts, Mrs Withers, and the whole Art Department for making this day possible. Monique Tilt, Visual Arts Captain (Year 12, Frayne)

College News

01 Just Leadership Conference 02 Andy Quilty Art Workshop 03 Just Leadership Team with Janeen Murphy from Caritas 04 Opening Mass, House Leaders

College News

Just Leadership

Opening Mass

Being a part of the Just Leadership group for Term 1 was a

The annual College Opening Mass was held on Tuesday 10

humbling experience and I enjoyed every second of it as it opened

February, in the College grounds. This significant event gives

my eyes to injustices in the community and around the world.

us the opportunity to gather together in prayer as a whole

The theme for Caritas and Just Leadership this term was ‘Food

community. The theme of the Eucharistic celebration was

for Life’. On Thursday 19 February, a group of Year 9 students

Compassion. Each year, as a community, we focus on one of the

went to John XXIII College and discussed the topic with students

College Mercy values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service

from other schools around Perth. Here we also started to plan and

and Excellence. In 2015 the focus value is Compassion.

discuss ways to raise awareness and much needed donations in our school. With meetings every Wednesday, we came to the conclusion that hosting a Caritas Day, was the best way to raise whole College awareness. Separate activities were also held in the Junior School including a Water Bucket Challenge, which involved students walking an obstacle course with a bucket, and the Fishing Friday game. This involved fishing for fake fish with a magnetic rod. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the day and were constantly asking when it would be held next.

During Mass, thirty-seven Year 12 students and five staff members, who had previously undergone training, were commissioned by Fr Sean as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They serve in this ministry throughout the year at whole College Masses and at Friday and Sunday Masses. A tradition at the Opening Mass is the commitment made by students, staff, parents and community members to live out Gospel values, particularly as articulated by Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Leading up to Caritas Day we collected second-hand clothes and

The Eucharistic celebration was enriched by the wonderful singing

accessories, as well as coat hangers and other necessary items

of the College choir under the direction of Mr Paul Kinsella and

to run the Santa Fashion for Compassion Op-shop. The other

Miss Rebecca Waterhouse. Following Mass the Santa Ministry,

activities held included the ice-cream store run by the Vinnies

one of our special interest groups of the Parent Council, extended

leaders, hair braiding and the banner activity. At recess the

wonderful hospitality serving supper to parents, friends and

cheerleaders performed and at lunch time we were entertained

families who were guests at the Mass. All students were also

by the Ireland Tour Chorale. With the gorgeous clothes and great

served refreshments on the Terrace lawns.

entertainment, everyone enjoyed the day while at the same time

Mrs Helen Chaffer, Deputy Principal, Mission

raised awareness and funds for Caritas’ Project Compassion. It

was a great success as everyone could see where their money was going, and why it is so important to support Caritas. The day raised $1,607.20, which will go towards this year’s goal for Project Compassion of $7,000. Skyla Pengilly, (Year 9, Dillon) Just Leadership Team Leader

Interhouse Activities Swimming Carnival

Cross Country Carnival

Public Speaking Competition

1st

Frayne

1st

2nd

O’Reilly

2nd O’Reilly

2nd Corbett

3rd

Dillon

3rd Frayne

3rd Kelly

4th

de la Hoyde

4th Byrne

4th Dillon

5th

Corbett

5th Kelly

5th O’Donnell

6th

Byrne

6th Corbett

6th

7th

Kelly

7th O’Donnell

7th O’Reilly

8th

O’Donnell

8th

8th Byrne

Dillon

de la Hoyde

Frayne

de la Hoyde

Swimming Junior School Carnival The College pool was a buzz of colour and excitement on Monday 9 March for the Junior School Swimming carnival. With the carnival being held later in the term than previous years, there were more events for students to participate in and the results of the day were going to have a big impact on the overall College swimming results.

All girls competed in freestyle and breastroke races before they enjoyed morning tea with their parents. Once back at the pool, the team events, backstroke, butterfly and relay races got underway. Congratulations to the O’Reilly girls who won the Junior School carnival. Champion Girl for Year 5 was Kayla Monaco (Byrne) and Runner-up was Josephine Swash (Kelly). Champion Girl for Year 6 was Cleo Kenny (Dillon) and Runner-up was Georgia Mack (Byrne). The carnival was a huge success and special thanks must go to our fabulous parent volunteers for all their hard work on the day.

Middle and Senior School Swimming On Monday 16 March, there was a roar of excitement within HBF Stadium for the 2015 Santa Maria Years 7-12 Interhouse Swimming carnival. With a wide range of events, from the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle to the boogie board relay and highly competitive noodle relay, it enabled all girls to participate no matter their abilities. The addition of the tyre relay was proven as a tough new team event but was accompanied with lots of laughter and smiles. The Houses fought extremely hard to reach their goals, whether it be not to come last, in the top three or to win. The presentations at the end of the day showed just how successful the carnival was with many records being broken, the announcements of champion girl and House placing’s for each Year Group. The final announcements were made at a special assembly held after the Junior School carnival. Nicola Vester, Sport Captain (Year 12, O’Reilly)

College News

01 02

Junior School Swimming Carnival Champion Girls and Runners Up Middle & Senior School Swimming Carnival

Cross Country

College News

Burke Drive foreshore was filled with nerves, excitement and motivational playlists for the annual Interhouse Cross Country carnival. Once again Blue Chip timing was on board to give us immediate results, which always generates great competition between the Houses. A special mention must go to Abby Ouwendyk (Year 9, Byrne) who was the fastest runner on the Years 7-12 course for the day, followed by Tia Kenny (Year 8, Dillon) and Bianca Petite (Year 8, Kelly). There were some exceptional performances from the girls and it was fantastic to have all Years 5-12 students involved in the event. A cake stall was held at the end of the race to support Caritas before the announcement of results. Congratulations to Dillon House who had a very convincing win in 2015. Below is the list of Champion Girl and Runner-ups for each Year Group. Year

Champion

Runner Up

Chloe Hodge (Corbett)

Grace Byrne (Dillon)

Cleo Kenny (Dillon)

Sopheira Woodhead (Frayne)

Meg Hebiton (Dillon)

Isabella Phillips (Corbett)

Tia Kenny (Dillon)

Bianca Petite (Kelly)

Abby Ouwendyk (Byrne)

Ella Eastaugh (Frayne)

Jessica Lewis (Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly)

Janine Ong (Dillon)

Gemma Sharp (Dillon)

Laura Meek (Frayne)

Isabelle Hendriks (Dillon)

Grace Ferraz (de la Hoyde)

Mrs Emma Wood, Head of Physical Education

Public Speaking The Public Speaking competition took place over two weeks on Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 17 March. There was great anticipation of the new format which meant that girls had both prepared and impromptu speeches on the one night with Years 6 to 9 on the first night and Years 10 to 12 on the second night. The feedback from staff, students and parents has been very positive. Adjudicators all commented on the high standard, particularly in the impromptu speeches. The girls were very impressive, as usual! Thanks go to all staff, students, parents and the volunteer adjudicators who supported the competition. We are always looking for new adjudicators, particularly past students who may have had some experience of the competition during their years at the College. If you think you could help out next

year please forward your contact details to me via email to anderson.megan@santamaria.wa.edu.au and I will add you to the database for 2016. Mrs Meg Anderson, Public Speaking Coordinator

01 02

Interhouse Cross Country Interhouse Public Speaking

Staff who are Old Girls After spending many years at a school as a student, what is it that makes someone return as a staff member? We have a large number of staff at the College who are ‘old girls’ both teaching and non-teaching. I believe this says something about the community and the special place that is, Santa Maria College. Below we interview some of these staff members.

Penny Vetten (2007)

Ilse Morey (1973, Schausberger)

Were you a Boarder or Day Student?

Day student

What was your first year at Santa

Maria College?

Year 8

What is your current position at the

College?

Personal Assistant to the Principal

Teacher of English

What was your favourite subject as a

student?

Accounting (taught by Marsha Pengilly)

English Literature

Please share a favourite memory of

your time as a student at the College?

My favourite memory at the College would

Santa Maria was a very different school

have to be a collection of memories from

in the 70s! I remember well the wooden

the Canberra trip in Year 10, that are

desks with cupboards on the side where

still retold between my school friends to

we stored our books (no lockers in those

this day. One memory from this trip was

days) and the boarders’ beds on the

catching the midnight flight to Canberra

wooden verandahs covered with crochet

and going straight to Parliament House

blankets (very alfresco indeed!) There were

without a hint of sleep. Then as we sat in

many nuns living in the convent and I was

Parliament House listening to a speaker,

quite fascinated with their clothing, and

we watched the teachers slowly close their

the changeover from all white habits in

eyes, drift off, and be woken up when their

summer to all black in winter. Our final

head dropped down. We watched this on

year exams were our main assessment and

repeat!

worth 100% of the year’s work.

Did your time here as a student impact

your decision to return as a staff

member?

As a student, I loved Santa Maria College

Yes, when the opportunity arose to apply

and I remembered the staff as nice, helpful

for a teaching position I was very happy

and friendly. When the opportunity arose

to do so and I often think about the Circle

to work at the College I had full confidence

of Mercy bringing me back to Santa and I

that I would be working within a very

feel very blessed indeed to be here.

Feature welcoming and friendly community.

Amanda Huxtable (1997) Were you a Boarder or Day Student? Day student What was your first year at Santa Maria College? Year 8 What is your current position at the College? Director of Performing Arts What was your favourite subject as a student? Drama Please share a favourite memory of your time as a student at the College? So many. I loved the theatre, it was always a safe space for exploration, performance and discussing the highs and lows of high school. It’s funny the memories you attach to a specific place, being in the dressing room with my students before a show always takes me back to my Year 12 Production. The old dusty smell of the wardrobe brings back memories of my friends and I hunting around for props and costumes, and dressing up when we weren’t supposed to! Did your time here as a student impact your decision to return as a staff member? Without a doubt! Mr Hal Davies is what brought e back here. As a student I had so much respect for him. When I first started teaching at Santa, some parents, also past students, would tell me stories of Mr Davies. While the finer details may have been different, I feel privileged to have had wonderful opportunities and experiences at SMC as a student, and I hope that my students would have a similar appreciation.

Feature Article

Charmaine Versluis (1977, Priest)

Amy McAnuff (1996, Emmerson-Jones)

Jennifer Oaten (1985, Buckenara)

Were you a Boarder or Day Student?

Day student

Boarder

What was your first year at Santa

Maria College?

Year 1, 1966

Year 8

What is your current position at the

College?

Old Girls’ Association Admin Assistant

Teacher of Health & Physical Education

Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning

What was your favourite subject as a

student?

Art

Physical Education and Human Biology

Science of course! Human Biology, Chemistry

Please share a favourite memory of

your time as a student at the College?

I have many happy memories; in Primary

Training for the Interschool Cross Country

Some of my favourite memories include

School riding on the ‘Ocean Wave’, playing

with Helen Chaffer and running up all the

getting mail from family and friends,

‘Lost in Space’ (the spaceship was between

hills she could find in Bicton/Attadale. I still

no one writes letters anymore but we

the two big gum trees near the steps to the

like running up hills now! I also remember

would run down to collect lunch from the

tennis court), playing chasey through the

Sister selling homemade toffees for 20c

boarding house and see if we had any

tea-tree hedge that ran along the Moreing

during lunch and breaking my braces on

mail! We would be so jealous of others

Road boundary. Performing as Nancy

numerous occasions but still going back for

who got more mail than us, especially

in the Year 7 production of ‘Oliver’; the

more.

parcels.

first big production directed by Mr Davies

Did your time here as a student impact

and Sr Margaret. In Year 12, our special

your decision to return as a staff

privilege was to be allowed to sit on the

member?

Figure 8 lawn at recess and lunch!

Yes, I knew that it would be a nice

Sr Sheila was the principal and was a

Did your time here as a student impact

environment to work in and I like that the

wonderful leader and inspiration to

your decision to return as a staff

emphasis is for the girls to develop a well-

the girls. The College has always had a

member?

rounded sense of education rather than

wonderful community feel, welcoming

Yes, as I’ve always felt welcome back at

just purely academic. I also know that an

students from all over the state, from many

Santa Maria and I thought the opportunity

all-girls education is a great environment

varied backgrounds and experiences. It is

to help strengthen the ties between the

for sport as the girls can achieve in all

wonderful to meet many of the current

College and past students would be very

sports regardless of gender.

parents, who were past students who feel

rewarding

the same sense of belonging. These are two of the reasons I decided to return to Santa Maria College.

Maria Mosole (Randazzo, 1983)

Karen Goeman (Lillis, 1975)

Lisa Taylor (1997)

Were you a Boarder or Day Student?

Boarder

Day student

What was your first year at Santa

Maria College?

Year 8

Year 6

Year 8

What is your current position at the

College?

Teacher of Italian & Religious Education

Boarding Supervisor

Teacher of Humanities & Social Science

What was your favourite subject as a

student?

English Literature

French

History

Please share a favourite memory of

your time as a student at the College?

The feeling of community and belonging in

My favourite memory is of Sr Majella

Buying 10c toffees from Sister Gemma at

boarding. Being challenged and discovering

taking us for choir. I vividly recall her sitting

recess (she usually threw them at you!).

a love of learning, the beautiful grounds

at the piano, in the old school hall, in her

Sitting under the tree by the grotto with

and location of the school.

full habit, zip up slippers and shouting at

my friends at lunch time and recess. We are

Did your time here as a student impact

us to pull back our shoulders and stand up

still friends to this day.

your decision to return as a staff

straight. She was a force to be reckoned

member?

with and a bit scary but I found her very

Overall, I had a positive experience at SMC

entertaining.

in boarding and in high school so returning

Did your time here as a student impact

back as a teacher seemed like a good idea.

your decision to return as a staff

My enduring memories of the school are

member?

of professional people, working hard to

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student

provide the best possible educational

at Santa Maria College and have many

experiences for the students at the College.

wonderful and some not too wonderful

The opportunity to be a part of this

memories from those years .

teaching legacy, with motivated students

As a past student, staff member and a

within a supportive and well-resourced

parent of two former students I have seen

environment is a real blessing.

many changes. The most obvious being

I have been blessed to be part of the SMC

the increase in the size of the school and

story since 1979, either as a student, a

in numbers of staff and students, and of

teacher or as the mother of a student. I can

course, the disappearance of teaching

think of no other place I would rather have

Nuns.

gone to school, sent my daughter to school

Feature or worked in.

These are just a few of the staff who are past students. The following staff members also attended the College: Leanne Avent (Frank, 1975) Jackie Fuller (Jenzen, 1985) Susannah Haeusler (2003) Barbara Maher (Noonan, 1975) Kim Maslin (2008) Tara Neilsen (2002) Genevieve Vetten (2011).

Feature Article

Michelle Carrick (1993, Jones)

Lucy Chaffer (2000)

Judy Buemi (1972, Grizich)

Were you a Boarder or Day Student?

Day student

What was your first year at Santa

Maria College?

Year 8

Year 5

What is your current position at the

College?

Head of Religious Education

Head of O’Reilly House, Teacher of Health,

Year 5 Class Teacher

What was your favourite subject as a

Physical Education & Outdoor Education

What was your favourite subject as a

student?

What was your favourite subject as a

student?

Geography and English

student?

I have fond memories of being in Sister

Please share a favourite memory of

Physical Education Studies and Human

Norbett’s class in Maths.

your time as a student at the College?

Biology

Please share a favourite memory of

I have many special memories of my time

Please share a favourite memory of

your time as a student at the College?

at Santa Maria - early morning swim

your time as a student at the College?

My year group was the first group to

training, service activities, great teachers,

Competing in House events, being captain

perform in a College Drama Production,

Geography field trips led by Mrs Baker,

of de la Hoyde House and winning the

Carousel, the musical, with Mr Davies.

Madame McPherson’s French lessons,

McAuley shield. I loved the sense of

The boys from Aquinas were in the lead

Sister Romuald’s demands for excellence

community the school has, all years know

roles which made it rather a first for the

in English Literature and Sister Consilii’s

each other. Being able to sit with any group

girls at Santa. I played one of the dancers

encouraging words.

in my year and feel welcome.

and loved the experience. In Year 12, Sister

Did your time here as a student impact

Janet Mead conducted a workshop with

your decision to return as a staff

the senior students on the release of her

member?

rock version of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. This was

I always felt the College was a special

Yes, I enjoyed being here as a student, I

quite an extraordinary event especially in

place. The teaching staff were always

think it has a good community feel and I

1973 where a Roman Catholic nun hit the

encouraging and ensured students felt

like the ethos of the College. I especially

top ten in the music charts! I still have a

valued - this is the Mercy way. Returning to

like the importance the school places on

photo of the event.

teach at Santa Maria felt like I was coming

community service and helping each other.

Did your time here as a student impact

home. I wanted to give something back

I think Santa instills very good values and

your decision to return as a staff

to the Mercy tradition of educating young

students leave, as I felt when I left, wanting

member?

women, although I often feel that as a staff

to help others. It taught me to strive high

After many years of teaching at a variety

member I have received so much more

and that no matter what I wanted to do or

of schools, I was considering retiring or

than what I have contributed.

be I could achieve this. I strive to give this

changing occupation. The opportunity

to the students I teach and work with as a

to return to Santa pulled at some heart

teacher.

strings, I couldn’t resist and so applied for the position in the Junior school. It was a bit like ‘coming home’.

Around the Senior School The Senior School has certainly been a blur of activity this term. We have had a very busy start to the year with many achievements. It is hard to believe so many key events are now behind us. Having just recently completed the Years 11 and 12 Academic Review, I commend the strong work ethic demonstrated so far this year and encourage the girls to continue their determined focus as we head to exams in Term 2. Well done to all our Senior School girls on their many accomplishments so far this year. Mrs Carol Bell, Head of Senior School

Year 12 Ball

The much-anticipated ‘Evening of Elegance’ had finally submerged through the calendar as the girls awoke on 8 February. From endless hours of painfully repetitive and what at the time seemed like ‘mission impossible’ dress shopping, to last minute corsage alterations, the prologue to the Year 12 ball stirred an overwhelming amount of excitement in the 2015 Leavers. The exclusive modes of transport came to a halt at the Hyatt under the remarkable parking skills of the chauffeurs. As the girls stepped out of their limousines, their soon to be sore feet were greeted by the red carpet. Once everyone arrived the night began with a simple prayer followed by a spectacular three-course meal. Soon after stomachs had settled, the girls and their partners dispersed

onto the dance floor. It was almost impossible not to be drawn in

due to the DJ’s euphonious creations of music. Despite the amount of perspiration, the dance floor was the place to be throughout the night. It even saw Mr Morris and Mrs Bell make a brief but well-remembered appearance. As the clock struck 12.00 am the night came to an end, much to the disappointment of the girls. However the ‘Evening of Elegance’ was one that we will all remember with a smile as we reflect back on our high school days. Angie Penna-Li, Dillon House Captain (Year 12, Dillon)

Mindfulness The Year 11 cohort was privileged to have David Michie visit in March. David is the internationally best-selling author of a number of books about

mindfulness, meditation and Buddhism. David spoke with the students about the importance of mindfulness in helping them to cope with everyday life in a positive and productive manner. He talked personally about his own life experience, and the value of finding solutions to problems by using mindfulness and meditation practices to ease the stress of everyday situations, and clarify issues as a means of moving forward. He conducted three short meditations with the students focusing on the breath and visualisation techniques for calming the mind. Students and staff were fully engaged by the meditations and his visit was warmly received. David’s message about being mindful in life, and the value of meditation for health and wellbeing, was timely for our pastoral program and greatly appreciated. Mrs Claire Newton, Head of Year 11

Senior School

Senior School Year 11 Biology Camp

Year 10 Reflection Day

Students were immersed in the magnificence of the Jarrah Forest

The Year 10 Reflection Day this year was held on Friday

of the Perth hills during their two-day fieldwork camp from 16-17

6 March commencing with Mass in the College chapel at

March.

8.00 am. The theme of the Reflection Day was ‘Our Call’ and explored Jesus as our model “Jesus made clear that he

Twenty-eight students camped in tents at the Perth Hills Discovery

came among people for a purpose. He is our model of loving

Centre, a short drive from Mundaring. The students conducted

service.“

fieldwork to gain a greater understanding of the flora and fauna of the jarrah forest and the way in which scientific data can

The theme continued by looking at Catherine McAuley, a

be collected and analysed. They gained an understanding of

model of Christian love. Through her dedication to a God

the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems and the

who is mercy, Catherine became a woman of understanding,

conservation efforts in place to reduce these impacts on the jarrah

quiet confidence, compassion and strength. She gave the

forest. Students worked with a DEC Parks and Wildlife Officer on

gifts of her heart: love, sympathy, tolerance, understanding

the Monitoring Marsupials Program, which involved trapping and

and forgiveness. She gave gifts of her mind: ideals, principles,

processing marsupials in the forest. There was great excitement

and purposes. She gave gifts of the spirit: prayer, peace,

when a brush-tailed possum and mardo were caught. The

strengthening of faith, hope and charity.

students assisted by collecting data on the animals such as weight and foot length and this information was added to a database for

These themes were explored in a presentation by Mrs

use in the conservation of these animals. Another highlight of the

Michelle Carrick, Head of Religious Education, meditated on

camp was the opportunity to handle and observe native animals

by students in their own quiet space and discussed in small

during the Animal Encounter session including birds of prey like

groups facilitated by staff members.

the little eagle and barn owl, and marsupials like an echidna, woylie and kangaroo.

How different people have taken up the call to serve, was further developed by the sharing of personal stories. Students

The students were personally congratulated by the Parks and

heard about life experiences from staff, Sisters of Mercy and

Wildlife staff for their fine participation, enthusiasm and maturity

past students of how they answered the call to serve.

when conducting their fieldwork. Mrs Joanne Priest, Year 11 Biology teacher

The input, reflections, listening and sharing prepared the girls for the afternoon session where they were introduced to the Mercy in Action program by Mrs Jillian Landers, Service

01 - 02 Year 12 Ball 03 David Michie Mindfulness 04 Year 11 Biology Camp

Learning Coordinator. Mrs Helen Chaffer, Deputy Principal, Mission

Around the Middle School Santa Maria College has developed a comprehensive transition program for those entering Year 7 and beginning their Middle School experience. This program aims to develop the students’ knowledge of the College, skills required for academic, social and emotional success, and the beginnings of new positive and nurturing relationships with others so they are then able to move through Year 7 successfully. Year 7 students are likely to find the transition to Middle School stressful and challenging, with a variety of teachers, lots of new people to meet and make friends with, new subjects, lockers, getting and staying organised, finding their way around a huge school and the wide range of co-curricular activities available. It is hoped the transition program, which is filled with fun, interesting and informative activities, nurtures the girls through a smooth and successful new beginning. The

College hopes that all Year 7 students are starting to feel like Santa Maria Girls and that they belong.

Alternative Learning Day Year 7 students have been involved in a number of exciting activities during Term 1, that have assisted them with the transition to high school and ensuring they feel like they belong at Santa Maria. The Alternative Learning Day involved the girls climbing the walls at Rockface in Northbridge and working on their team building and conflict resolution skills as they worked to come up with a consensus on how to decorate their classroom. The

day was great and the girls enjoyed both activities. In the words of one of the students: “I found that the best part of the day was when we went rock climbing. I found that everyone stepped out of their comfort zone and reached their goals. The hardest part of the day was beating my fear of very high heights and getting to the top. Overall I really enjoyed the day, it was full of laughs and great fun.”

Abbey Richardson (Year7, Kelly)

Middle School

01 - 03 Year 7 Alternative Learning Day 04 - 08 Year 7 Camp

Middle School Year 7 Camp Year 7 Camp has certainly been the highlight of the year thus far. On 4 March, 178 very excited but nervous girls, with very heavy bags, boarded the buses for two nights at Nanga bush camp. The girls participated in a number of challenging activities with their Homeroom groups. The main purpose of the camp was to assist the girls getting to know more girls in their Year group and to bond with the girls in their Homeroom. One of the highlights of camp for me was watching the girls perform their camp song. Each Homeroom had prepared a song that reflected their

Homeroom and told us all why their Homeroom was the best! Each song was very clever, and the girls were enthusiastic in their performances. Some other highlights from the students included: “The thing I most loved at Year 7 Camp was all the water activities as you got to get in the water and have heaps of fun. Camp allowed us to bond with our Homeroom.” Alice D’Amico (O’Donnell) “My favourite part of camp was swimming in the river and building the raft.” Ruby Minervini (Byrne) “I loved camping in the tents.” Ashlee Timmermans (Dillon) “Flat water rafting was my favourite activity and getting a good night sleep in the dorms.” Sophie Eastaugh (Frayne) Mrs Tracy Webster, Head of Middle School

Around the Junior School Life in the Junior School started at a frenetic pace and continues to do so. This term we have been involved in Year 5 Alternative Learning Day, Parent Information Evening, Year 6 HaSS excursion, Junior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival, JIGSSA Swimming Carnivals, Public Speaking and Interhouse Cross Country. Along with these events, the curriculum work of the classrooms continues and the teachers and students are engaged in many exciting pursuits and activities.

Parent Information Evening The Junior School Parent Information Evening was held on Tuesday 17 February in the McDonald Building. The evening commenced

with a light supper followed by a presentation by Miss Kim Maslin about Social Media and ways to keep safe on the internet. Mr Paul Kinsella spoke of the musical opportunities on offer at the College. The Mercy Wellbeing Program to be introduced into the Junior School entitled Bounce Back! was formally launched and consists of ten lessons delivered by Homeroom teachers over the next few months. Following this, the teachers addressed the parents of their Homerooms on various points of classroom management and organisation.

Year 6 Excursion to Parliament House As part of their study of History, Year 6 students visited Parliament House and the Constitutional Centre. They learnt about preferential voting and about Federation. During the visit students also visited the Upper House and the Lower House and learnt about the roles of the Premier, Opposition Leader and the Speaker.

02 01 - 02 Around the Junior School 03 Parliament House Excursion 04 Bounce, Junior School Wellbeing Program 05 In the classroom 06 Cooking with the Year 12s 07 Junior School Swimming Carnical 08 Cross Country 09 Junior School Swimming Carnival

Junior School Year 5 Alternative Learning Day

The Year 5 Alternative Learning Day was held on Monday 16 February and was conducted by the College Psychologists, Mrs Chris Machell and Mrs Beth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Regan along with Ms Katie Danswan, Mrs Judy Buemi, Junior School teachers and Mrs Andrea Dopson, Head of Junior School. The day included team games, dancing, meditation, story reading, and discussion. At the conclusion of the day the girls were involved in a quiet time of liturgy, gospel and reflection. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the day away from the normal classes! Mrs Andrea Dopson, Head of Junior School

From the Parent Council I am very privileged to be working with an energetic, passionate and committed group of parents this year. The members of the 2015 Parent Council are Emma Bell (Vice Chair), Gill Ryan (Treasurer), Crissy-Maria Spinella (Secretary), Libby Wilkes, Leonie Nagle (Senior School Parent Network), Audrey Hebiton (Middle School Parent Network), Colleen Morris, Giselle Brisbane (Junior School Parent Network), Karen O’Connor (Santa Ministry), Cameron Robinson (Junior School Mozzies), Michael Moridge (Middle/Senior School Mozzies), Maria Taylor (Boarding Parents’ Group), John Robinson and Rui Fernadez (General Members). The Parent Council commenced 2015 with the inaugural ‘Welcome Picnic & BBQ’ held on the College grounds. The weather was perfect with the evening quickly becoming a relaxed, happy scene where new friends and old, gathered together. Bubbles were blown, faces painted, sausages sizzled, cricket balls bowled and kids danced to the music of the DJ. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and helped with the set up, cooking, activities and clean up, your assistance truly made this evening a success. A special mention must go to the wonderful girls who volunteered their time to assist with the activities, some staying for the duration of the whole evening; thank you! Keep a look out for more Parent Council community activities coming up; Mozzies Father Breakfast, Santa Ministry Mother’s Day Retreat, Parent Network meetings, Year Group social events and Parent Forums. Sue McLennan-Atkins, Parent Council Chair

Father Daughter Walk to School & Breakfast A crisp and clear morning dawned over Attadale as more than 300 fathers and daughters took off on the annual Walk to School event. While many came in from all over Attadale, a big group of 120 made the two kilometre walk to school from Troy Park under the escort of Steve Della Bona, the Mozzie ‘Walking Bus’ driver. A great breakfast provided by Martin Gillespie and the College catering team was hungrily devoured in the McDonald Building. The buzz around the room, many smiles and handshakes reflected the success of the event. The Walk to School is in its third year and is a great opportunity for fathers and daughters to bond together, reclaim the streets for the kids and develop an awareness of their neighbourhood and local streets.

Special thanks to Steve for donating Bunnings vouchers and extra

Parent Council special thanks to Karen Bickerton for all the school coordination. Tony Baker (Mozzie Dad)

01 - 02 Welcome BBQ & Picnic 03 Father Daughter Walk to School 04 Years 7-12 Father Daughter Camp

Parent Council Years 7-12 Father Daughter Camp 2015 On the weekend of 14 and 15 March, over forty dads and daughters headed off on the annual Years 7 - 12 Father Daughter Camp. This year the camp was moved to Forest Edge Recreational Camp, just over one hour south-east of Perth. The new site offered a range of new activities. It was a great venue where we were all housed in the same building, the food was fabulous and the basketball court got a workout and the staff made us all feel special. The range of activities was exciting, from the tandem flying fox that spanned a valley, air rifle target shooting on a dedicated range, to the twenty-two meter high abseil tower where dads and daughters came down side by side. Then there was the milk crate challenge, which some teams completed with the climber blindfolded, this was topped off with an incentive course that got a little muddy. The camp is a fabulous time for dads and daughters to share some great times and challenges together. We have booked the same venue for next year and look forward to trying out some of the other activities we could not fit into this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure. Michael Mogridge, Middle & Senior Schools Mozzie Coordinator

Old Girls’ Association WA Independent Girls’ Schools’ Alumni Unite On Thursday 12 March, the Alumni of Perth’s Independent Girls’ schools, known as Pleiades, held a function to recognise and celebrate the advancement of women in WA. The Alumni Associations of Iona Presentation College, Methodist Ladies’ College, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Penrhos College, Perth College, St Hilda’s Anglican School, St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School and Santa Maria College joined forces to host this inaugural event to create a supportive, collegiate environment for women. Members and friends of the Alumni were invited to socialise, network and engage with their female peers in the relaxed setting of The Boulevard Hotel in Floreat. The idea for this gathering geminated a year ago and the evening proved to be well supported and a great success by offering an opportunity for past pupils of the above Perth girls’ schools to network with and get to know both Alumni from their own as well as from other schools. Tamara Kilian, Alumni and Communications Coordinator at Methodist Ladies College, reflected that “It was wonderful to see such a wide range of generations gathered at The Boulevard, including both recent school graduates to 93-year-old former Pleiades Club member and president Marion Dorothy Wood from Perth College. Hearing Marion’s stories about her involvement in the Pleiades Club in the 1940s was fascinating. She was responsible for training Debutantes for presentation to the Governor at a number of balls and performed with a ‘Concert Party’ to entertain Army troops during the war.”

Pleiades provides an opportunity for the Alumni of Perth girls’ schools to remain connected, to network, socialise and to share advice and expertise. Maintaining a connection with their school is important for past students as is creating a collegial, supportive network for women in Perth and in WA. A new tradition has begun offering an opportunity for the Alumni of Perth’s girls’ schools to gather together, celebrate friendship, collegiality and unity. We hope to see an even stronger representation from past students of Santa Maria College at next year’s Pleiades gathering. Mrs Maria Mosole (Randazzo, Class of 1983)

Old Girls’ Association

Class of 2005 Reunion

The Class of 2005 returned to the College for their ten year reunion recently. Below is a snapshot of what some of the Class 2005 are doing now. Antonia Ellis After graduation, I spent two years living and working in

Nikita Lewis (Borbas)

Salamanca, Spain. Upon returning to Australia, I studied Arts

SInce graduating from Santa Maria, I have gone on to studying

Management at WAAPA, which led me to working at Universal

Set and Costume design at WAAPA and Footwear at the London

Music Australia’s touring department in Sydney, and then

College of Fashion. I have travelled Europe and lived in the UK

Soundwave Touring. In 2011 I moved to Berlin, Germany with

for a few years where I met my husband. We have since moved

my partner, where I worked in digital music publishing and

back to Perth and were married at the end of last year. I’m

marketing in the technology industry, and had the opportunity

currently working at Kookai managing their Mount Lawley store.

to travel extensively around the world. I returned to Australia in

We plan to move to Melbourne at the end of this year to further

January 2015, and after a short stint at APRA AMCOS, I’m now

our careers.

taking on a new opportunity in my dream role as an Artist/Band Manager at Wonder Management in Sydney.

Elle McLaren (Pound , Head Girl) Straight after school I left Perth to attend Bond University on the

Kristy Galloway

Gold Coast on a faculty scholarship. I graduated mid-2008 with

Since leaving Santa Maria, I have completed a Bachelor of

a Bachelor of Communications, Business. I moved back to Perth

Education (Primary), and then became a Primary School

and worked in various marketing/advertising jobs until packing

Teacher. Whilst teaching full-time, I went back to university

up again and setting off in early 2013. I have been in New York

and completed another two degrees in the field of teaching/

with my husband for nearly two years now, moving here after

education and now have a Graduate Certificate in Literacy

travelling the world for four months. I am strategic director

Education and a Masters in Education, specialising in Learning

for a boutique marketing consultancy, specialising in high

Difficulties and Behaviour Management. After teaching

consideration categories such as health care, high-end luxury,

at schools for several years, I decided to start up my own

beauty and travel brands. Living in Brooklyn, traveling lots (for

Educational Learning Centre so I could help even more children

work and pleasure), making the most of New York restaurants,

with their learning. As an Educational Specialist, I am now able

and expecting our first child in August.

to work with a large number of children, schools and many professionals. I really love being an educator – being a student at

Rebecca Murray

Santa Maria really helped pave the way to help me achieve all I

Since leaving Santa Maria, I have been working as a Clinical

have.

Nurse at Fremantle Hospital. I am about to start my Midwifery Postgraduate Diploma at King Edward Memorial Hospital. I have

Emily Goeman

also travelled to a number of places around the world. Enjoying

I joined the Australian Army in 2006, attended the Australian

life.

Defence Force Academy from 2006 to 2009 in Canberra. I lived in Sydney during 2009-10, studied to be Geospatial Technician

Ciara Stapleton

with the army. I met Danny, my partner, in late 2010. Moved

Since leaving high school I completed a Bachelor of Medicine/

to Brisbane in 2010 and live there currently. I have travelled

Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Arts Double degree at UWA.

to Europe, United States, New Zealand for holidays, and was

During these seven years at university I spent a year in California

deployed to Afghanistan with the Army in 2013. Danny and I are

on an art exchange, and a year in Broome as a medical student.

expecting a child in late August.

I am currently back in Perth and working as a doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital. My outside work interests include running,

Sarah Kennedy

kite-surfing and volunteering with marginalised youth. I currently

I am now living in the Northern Territory, in a remote Aboriginal

head up a charity called Leading Youth Forward that provides

community, working as the Health Centre Coordinator. My

mentorships for at-risk Perth teenagers. We have a number of

Nursing degree, completed at the University of Notre Dame, has

Santa Maria girls involved as mentors. Check out our website

allowed me to travel to various parts of Western Australia and

www.lyf.org.au and see if you are interested in supporting or

the Northern Territory.

getting involved!

01 - 04 Class 2005 Reunion

Archives Santa Maria College, the War Years Santa Maria College was not around during WWI, however, with the 100 year Anniversary of the Anzacs, it is fitting that we look at the College history during wartime. Recollections provided by the students and staff who were members of the College community during the Second World War 1939-1945 appear at first glance to tell stories that are in conflict. Firstly we have the account of Zoe Sholl (know as Averil Lambert, 1947) who attended the College at a very young age and recalls being in the very frightening situation of having the entire school locked down and being confined to the middle corridor of the lower ground floor, for an extended period of time. In November 1939 a general alert rang out through Perth as a result of warning shots that had been fired by the battery at Fremantle. It was thought that Perth may be under imminent attack by the German navy but it was a problem with incorrect flags on a whale chaser. Santa Maria College went into lockdown. This event would have been quite frightening. All seven Sisters of Mercy and 111 students were confined to the lower ground floor of the McAuley Building, sitting on the cold terrazzo floor, there being no carpets, between what is now the Principal’s kitchen and the Green Room doors. The only person who had communication with the outside world was Mother

Superior who had a telephone in her office. The lockdown would have lasted until the all clear was given by the authorities. As a result of an article about the war years, in the 2008 Winter De La Vida, Marie Mahood (Healy, 1943) wrote to say that her recollections were at odds. Marie had attended the College from 1939 to 1943. For a time, I was puzzled by this since the 2008 article was based on recollections from Sr Consilii. However, over the years more information has come to us, which reveals both accounts, although seemingly at odds, are correct. In 1939 when Marie Healy came to the College to start her secondary education as a boarding student, Australia was at war with Germany. Australia did not declare war on Japan until late 1941. Marie writes “The Army searchlight plus operating soldiers were not on the Figure 8 but outside the school boundary below the Figure 8 on the river bank”. Sr Consilii Flynn arrived at the College in 1940. During the war the local precautions were overseen by the Air Raid Precautions Committee (ARPC) of the Melville Roads Board. Although the local Home Guard and air raid wardens (ARPC) had been in operation since the early days of the war, their activities had an air of unreality until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour … the likelihood of an attack on Perth could not be ignored. … A pre-