De La Vida, Term 3 by Santa Maria College

SANTA MARIA COLLEGE

De La Vida EDITION 22, TERM 3, 2015

In this edition Consilii Centre Opening Innovative Schools Award Leadership 2016 Hating Alison Ashley Arts Festival IGSSA Athletics Carnival and much more

College News

From the Principal During Term 3, our Principal, Ian Elder took much deserved Long Service Leave enabling me to take on the role of Acting Principal for the term. Many people have asked how the role is different to my usual role

SMC wins Innovative Schools Award

of Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning. I have mentioned just three of these

Santa Maria College prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation in education. We see it as our responsibility to

differences below.

meet the changing needs of society, education and the workforce. It was pleasing to see this commitment recognised in this month’s The

During this time I have had opportunities to meet with Principals from three

Educator magazine.

main groups, the Catholic Secondary Principals Association, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and also Mercy Education

Santa Maria College was listed as one of the leaders of change in Australia. It

Principals, a group consisting of leaders from Mercy schools in Perth,

was the only West Australian school to be recognised. The decision was based

Melbourne and Adelaide. These were wonderful opportunities to share

on Santa Maria’s development of innovative programs, environments and

initiatives and challenges and to establish networks of colleagues.

people. I have also had opportunities in this role to build relationships with staff in

The programs recognised were those that go beyond the curriculum. In

many different roles within the College, particularly non-teaching staff who

particular our Enhanced Learning suite of programs which includes Ignite,

have crucial roles to play in supporting so many aspects of school life.

Seek7, Explore8, Strive9 and our Enrichment programs. The outstanding The task of interviewing and announcing, and being involved in the commissioning of many of our new leaders was a very rewarding

achievements of our ACCESS program were also noted.

experience. We are very privileged here at the College to have such a talented group of students who will be taking on these leadership We know we are blessed with our facilities and learning environments. They are beautiful, but what is most significant is that each

roles in 2016.

environment has student learning and wellbeing as its key architectural guide. I thank our dedicated College Management Team for their support during this term and all of our teaching staff who are so committed Finally it was noted that the driving force of innovation at Santa Maria College is creative thinking, great planning and people

to the education of all our girls.

committed to an educational experience that is exceptional. Many events occurred during Term 3, one of the most important being the Opening of the Consilli Building. Below are just some of the events featured in this edition of De La Vida: •

House Athletics Carnival, held for the first time at State Athletics Centre.

•

Middle School Production, a wonderful performance of Hating Alison Ashley.

•

Arts Festival showcasing so many talented art, music, drama and dance students.

•

IGSSA Athletics Carnival where we achieved 2nd place, our best ever result.

•

Commissioning of student leaders form Year 5-12 for 2016.

•

Mercy Day Mass, Assembly and the many activities raising money for Mercy Secondary School, Yarapos in Papua New Guinea.

Ms Linda Stade, Research Officer

Mel Maria Students visit Santa Maria On Wednesday 19 August, the Year 11 and Year 12

Mrs Jennifer Oaten, Acting Principal

Community Family & Children class, had the Mel Maria SJP pre-primary students come for a visit. During the visit we played games with the children that we have been working

De La Vida

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

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

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

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

Feature Article:

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

The Consilii Centre Opening.................11

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

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

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

on as our assignment. The Year 11 games focused on general language development

Published Terms 1 - 3

of children aged 4-5. The Year 12 class had a slightly different

Published by Santa Maria College Locked Bag 1, Melville WA 6156 T: +61 8 6330 0200 F: +61 8 9317 2838

focus which was learning how to alter activities for children with

Editor & Graphic Design Karen Bickerton T: +61 8 6330 0230 E: delavida@santamaria.wa.edu.au

additional needs. We designed our games based on topics they have been learning this year eg under the sea, weather, space and community. Overall the children had lots of fun playing our games and we enjoyed interacting with them. Elizabeth Bleakley (Year 11, Byrne) and Maggie Mills (Year 11 0’Donnell)

Front cover Students in the science labs in the Consilii Centre. Photograph taken by Julie Schubert.

Printed by Scott Print www.scott.com.au

College News Leadership Training Day

Children’s Book Week

The 2016 Student Leaders from Years 5 – 11 engaged in a full day

College News

Children’s Book Week is an exciting time in the Sawle

of leadership training, beginning with Rosary. The training day was

Literature & Research Centre calendar. This year as part of

coordinated by Mrs Helen Chaffer, Deputy Principal, Mission.

our Children’s Book Week celebrations we saw Koob, the Story Keeper enthral the Junior School students with a new

Mrs Chaffer also worked with the students in session one, entitled ‘Serving

show and exciting stories from around the world. As he

the Community’. In this session, students looked at why we are called to serve and how we best do that in the Catholic Mercy tradition. This was

followed by discussion and activities with the Heads of Year on what it

opened each of his books, the stories inspired our girls and lit up their lives in a very special way. Students discovered numerous, amazing tales as he drew ideas

means to be a leader. Students then worked with House Coordinators on

from myths, legends and traditional folklore. Koob (book spelt

House activities and building team leadership activities. Pastoral Care time in

backwards), presented his stories by using dramatic narration,

their Homerooms was followed by a shared lunch on The Terrace.

action, mime, masks, puppets, costume, characterisation, comedy, The last session looked specifically at meeting procedures, event planning,

drama and plenty of audience involvement. The stories came to life

email protocols, how to write a proposal and a number of other skills

in the hands of this masterful storyteller, promoting books, reading,

required in the management of their leadership portfolio and House Captain

the library and using one’s imagination.

roles. A leadership reflection was undertaken in groups and proved to be an

Ms Alex Oudejans, Junior School Literature and Research

instructive and positive activity as girls discussed their roles and planned for

Specialist

the year ahead. Two Commissioning Ceremonies were held in the afternoon; firstly for

Junior School and Middle School students and their parents.Following this,

Winter Sleep Out 2014

Senior School leaders were commissioned in front of their parents and

Each term the Young Vinnies Service Group works

peers. Junior and Middle School parents were invited to a lunch before the

hard to promote the value of service. One of the

Commissioning Ceremony and Senior School parents enjoyed afternoon

service activities during Term 3 was the annual

tea after the Senior Commissioning Ceremony. The day concluded with

Winter Sleep Out.

the official handover from the current Year 12 leaders, where they shared

Although students did not spend the night sleeping

their experiences and resources with the newly elected leaders for 2016.

outside, this event nonetheless still aimed to raise awareness amongst the group of the issue of

The Leadership Training was an energetic and productive day with a lot of

homelessness that occurs on the streets of Perth. This

excitement generated, as students took on the responsibility of their new roles.

“

year sixty-three students and six staff spent the night reflecting more deeply on the issue. The evening started

Miss Rebecca Waterhouse, Head of Year 11

“The day was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the other students we will be working with on the SRC. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead, serving our College with these great girls.” ‘Ana Ika, Head Girl 2016

with a prayer reflection followed by a dinner of soup and bread. After dinner two guest speakers were invited

share their experiences of the issue of homelessness

with the students. One guest speaker spoke of her work with the homeless. The second guest shared her life story with students, which explained how she became homeless and what life was like for her on the streets. The speaker’s valuable experiences that was shared with

The Leadership Training Day was an engaging and enjoyable day in which we were able to learn about the qualities of a leader and how we can strive to achieve them. We were also able to get to know the other leaders that we will be working with for the upcoming year. Overall it was a very fun and interesting experience. Jasmine Della Bona, Middle School Captain 2016

the students really conveyed the reality of the plight of the homelessness and the lack of consideration and concern for the growing number

The leadership training was a very interesting and informative day that taught me so much about what to expect in my new role. I also got to know the girls I will be working with for the year to come which was a great opportunity. Keely Hebiton, Middle School Captain

the students commented “homelessness is a harsh reality in Perth and we the youth have the responsibility to take action. We might be young,

of people who find themselves without a permanent place to call home. Each student who attended the evening was asked to donate $10.00 which was handed to Mrs Elena Reid, to help with her work for the homeless. Each student was asked to write a prayer for the homeless, which was offered up during the candlelight vigil. The Winter Sleep out reflection evening is a rewarding experience for the students As one of but together we can make a difference”. Mrs Jilly Landers, Service Learning Coordinator

Photos 1-4. 2016 Leadership Training 5. Koob, the Storyteller 6. Winter Sleepout

College News

Canberra Tour

Punmu

The Canberra tour, held in the last school holidays,

After a long countdown, that seemed like a lifetime, on 1

was an amazing experience. The tour brought exciting

August 2015, twelve excited Year 11 students and three staff

experiences like touring the ANZAC Walk, the Royal Mint, the High Court and the Telstra Tower. We contemplated

members left for a trip they will never forget. We arrived at the

colour in the National Gallery of Australia. We devoured

airport having no idea what lay ahead of us, and after a hundred

the displays and awed at artefacts in the National

photos and the goodbye kisses, we were ready to start our

Museum of Australia. We travelled to Commonwealth

journey.

Park to see the Capital Exhibition, and many of us enjoyed

The Punmu Community welcomed us into their family with such

the high tech facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport.

open arms, and we quickly adapted to living life in the middle of the desert. Here we continued to build on the relationship with

We also had our own tour of the embassies, and a beautiful

RAWA school and the Martu people. All of the kids warmed to

Mass in Christopher Cathedral. Dressed in our winter uniforms

us incredibly quickly and the honesty and innocence of these

we attended new and old Parliament House and toured the

people took our breath away. We were surprised by the way

Senate and the House of Representatives. We then attended the Australian War Memorial, where Monique Sherwood and I were

they embraced themselves in the outdoors, even though they

lucky to lay a wreath at the prestigious Last Post Ceremony.

had great access to technology. The twelve girls - Ashlee Boot (de la Hoyde), Lucinda Cahill

The end of the trip bought a few fun days in the snow where

(O’Reilly), Ella Gorringe (Corbett), Jayne Grigson (Frayne), Sophie

everyone learnt how to ski or furthered their existing skills.

John (Frayne), Tiana Karabatich (O’Reilly), Bridget Lorraine

Overall, the Tour was exciting and educational and numerous

(Corbett), Jess Piper (Corbett), Bailee Renouf (O’Donnell), Sam

bonds were forged between students and staff alike. A thrilling

Romeo (Corbett), Naomi Wharton (O’ReillY) and I, use to be

experience that I know all who attended will never forget.

girls who just went to the same school, but now we regard each

Jessica Brown (Year 10, O’Donnell) Canberra Trip

other as sisters. We have so much to be grateful for, being given this life changing opportunity. And we are eternally grateful to the people of Punmu and the teachers, Mr Court, Mr Hubbard and Miss Stieber. It is hard to put into words how amazing this experience was, and we can never fully express the immensity of the impact this trip had on each one of us. The friendships and memories will definitely stay with us forever. Jayde Halvorson, Year 11 Dillon

Punmu

Pubbles

College News

Pubbles is a Co-curricular Program new in 2015, which currently has over eighty members from Years 6 to 12. Our role is to design printed posters for student groups that are displayed around the College and create content for our newly formed Tumblr blog, The Santa Scoop. The Santa Scoop is the first student-run publication at the College!

Hating Alison Ashley Hating Alison Ashley, directed by Miss Rooke was the Middle School Production for 2015. It was a truly memorable experience, and having such a great cast and crew made it all the more fun. We performed on Saturday 8 August, and Sunday 9 August. After four performances we were all extremely tired. We were sad that the journey was

It includes a range of interesting, funny and visual content that gives insight into life at Santa Maria. Recently, a Pubbles Leadership Team was formed, to help grow and develop the group. The team consists of Mia

“It was a truly memorable experience”

over but pleased we had produced such a truly

Torquato, Emily Hutchinson, Isabella Harman, Sophia Savaris, Sarah Ciccarelli, Breanna Tory, Jamie Nota and Meg Dennis, who work closely with Pubbles Coordinator, Miss Maslin. The leadership team has many ideas for the future of Pubbles, and

are excited to implement them. An app for The Santa Scoop is being created, to allow easy access to the blog and grow our audience. The team is also planning to introduce different types of multimedia to the blog, such as podcasts. The ultimate goal is for The Santa Scoop to be the go-place for students wanting to stay connected and informed about College life.

Mia Torquato (Year 10, Corbett) & Emily Hutchinson (Year 10, Corbett)

entertaining and enjoyable performance. Throughout the production process we learnt many new skills, such as how to act that was developed was the use of improvisation, with lines and movement.

Seeds of Justice Conference

After many weeks of rehearsals, a great performance wasn't the only outcome, we

Did you know that the average organ donor in Pakistan is earning $480.00 per annum whilst the organ receivers in

had made many memories and each of us had made new friends. We all loved our

Australia are earning more than a $52,000.00?

time spent during production, from the shared lunches every Saturday rehearsal,

This is classified as organ trafficking. The Seeds of Justice Conference 2015 commenced on a dark note, with 36 Mercy College students

the crazy dancing in the dressing room, and the mad rush to do any little bit of

being put into a pitch-black room, having their phones and keys taken off them and told to sit in silence. This gave us an inkling of what

homework when given the chance; it was all worth it. Middle School Production

it is like to be trafficked. After confronting videos and stories, descriptive definitions, statistics and deep discussion we soon discovered

in three words would be, fun, memorable, and rewarding. If given the chance we

that Human Trafficking is an act that is blindly over looked, and occurs here in Australia.

when backstage, and how to adjust movement when the set came in. Another skill

would do it all again. We engaged in group discussions and interactive web-based and non web-based activities. At first I was unsure of the artistic and

Skyla Pengilly and Emily Mascaro (Year 9, Dillon)

drama aspects of the conference, but I found that it actually provided me with an enjoyable opportunity to explore what trafficking, confinement and freedom all meant to me. I can’t wait to explore ways that we can apply what we’ve learnt with our Mercy values and

morals to create campaigns and changes within our society to raise awareness and make a difference to eradicate Human Trafficking Rose Grier and Sarah Ciccarelli, Year 10

4 3

College News

Photos 1-4. Hating Alison Ashley 5. Pubbles Leadership Team 6. Seeds of Justice

College News

Music Showcase

College News

The annual Music Showcase performance took place on Saturday 12 September during the Arts Showcase Weekend and involved the combined talents of nearly 300 music students. The three hour concert included performances from fourteen different cocurricular groups. All of the groups rehearsed throughout Term 3 in preparation for this event with the traditional emphasis on contemporary pieces and songs.

A staff rhythm section accompanied each of the Choral groups, with the

full Massed Choir concluding the performance in fine style. An important part of the Showcase performance is to recognise the contribution of the Year 12 students as they come to the end of their final year at the College. Thirty Year 12 musicians were called

in recognition of the years of effort that they had given to the Cocurricular music program.

Arts Showcase Weekend

individually and presented with a yellow rose and a special key ring

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Rebecca McGregor, Miss Helen Shanahan, Miss Kate Pass, Mr Peter Evans, Mr Taylor Cutts,

Dance and Drama Showcase

Noir! Year 12 Grad Exhibition

On Sunday 13 September the Drama and Dance Showcase

A very enthusiastic group of Years 11 & 12 Visual Art &

for their many and varied contributions on the night, ensuring that

was held in the College Theatre. Three sessions were held

Design students, led by Visual Arts Captain, Monique Tilt,

the concert was a great success. I would like to extend a special

over the course of the day, each one showcasing a variety

spent weeks planning and preparing for #artsweek!

thank you to Miss Rebecca Waterhouse for her wonderful work with

of dance and drama performances from Years 5 to 12.

The theme for this year’s week was #artselfie, so the first event for

the ensembles and chorales and also for many hours of logistical

The day was a great celebration of dance and drama at the

the week was to set up #artselfie opportunities around the school!

organisation that ensured the smooth running on the night.

College and gave students and families the opportunity to

Both students and staff had fun taking selfies, transforming

A concert is nothing without an audience and I would like to thank

see just how talented our students are. A huge thank you to

themselves into famous artists! The resulting selfies were lots of

all of the parents, friends and invited guests for coming out in such

the Performing Arts team for all of their work preparing the

fun! The most exciting part of the week was the launch of ‘The

large numbers to support the staff and students on the night. Your

students, Isa Cammarano (Year 12, Kelly), 2015 Performing

Santa Collective’ in the laneway between the Goold and Doyle

participation and support is vital to the ongoing success of the music

Arts Captain, to Ashleigh Hebiton (Year 11, Dillon) and ‘Ana

buidings. The students wanted everyone, not only Visual Arts

program and is very much appreciated.

Ika (Year 11, O’Donnell) for operating sound and lights, to the

students, to be able to express themselves creatively and to be

Finally, I would like to thank all of the music students who have worked

parents who picked students up from rehearsals and the dads

part of the week’s celebrations. Mimicking Melbourne’s famous

so hard throughout the term, rehearsing each week in preparation

who shared Father’s Day with the dress and tech rehearsal, and

Hosier Lane, we now proudly have Doyle Lane, which will become

for the Showcase concert and for doing such a professional job on

of course to the students who performed with such enthusiasm.

an ever changing and exciting piece of street art as a permanent

the night. Your talent and commitment to the Santa Maria College

Congratulations girls on another wonderful event at the College

fixture in the College. The idea is to continue to add to the wall

Music Department is greatly valued and you success is thoroughly well

and for sharing your talents with us.

and change the artwork from year to year, in the transient nature

Miss Huxtable, Director of Performing Arts

of street art. Students also had fun dressing up as famous artists

Mr David Hadfield, Mr Andrew Portwine and Mrs Katie Mowday

deserved. Well done on a terrific performance. Mr Paul Kinsella, Director of Music

for the day and drawing portraits of students in the Mercy Walk. Showcase 2015 was very successful this year, sharing the talents

We also held our annual art competition, with entries being

of girls from Years 5 to 12. Items varied from co-curricular

displayed in the Mercy Gallery. At the end of the week votes were

dance with two energetic and fun dances to Year 12 OSPs,

counted and students were awarded with prizes in the various

Year 6 Drama, Junior and Senior IGGSA dance and much more.

categories at a College Assembly. Overall the week was a huge

The performances throughout the day maintained a very high

success and a celebration of the Visual Arts.

quality and there were smiles all round. All of this wouldn’t have

Mrs Jan Withers, Head of Visual Arts

been possible without Miss Huxtable and the Performing Arts Department.

College News Isa Cammarano (Year 12, Kelly), 2015 Performing Arts Captain

Photos 1-3. Drama & Dance Showcase Weekend 4-5. Year 12 Grad Exhibition 6-7. Music Showcase

College News

Interhouse Interhouse Athletics Carnival

Purple Bra Day

For the first time in 2015 the Interhouse Athletics On Thursday 6 August, one would be forgiven for thinking that they had mistakenly walked into Domain Stadium for the

Carnival was held at the State Athletics Centre. This

Purple Haze Round as staff and students donned purple in support of Purple Bra Day.

allowed all students the opportunity to compete in hurdles events for the first time and on a professional

The school itself was decorated by Year 9 and 10 leaders with a giant Purple Bra at the front of the school and purple Bra’s and

track. It also meant that Junior School students had the

decorations all throughout the school.

opportunity to participate in a greater number of events Recess set the tone of the day with many extremely Glamorous Year 12 students

on carnival day.

gliding down the catwalk in their elegant ball dresses in the annual fashion parade on the arm of some slightly less elegant male staff members. Year 9

With the new surface we had a large number of records

Leaders ran a cake stall that was simply delicious! The food on offer wasn’t

broken on the day as our athletes produced some fantastic

going to end there, as a Sausage Sizzle was run by the Year 10 and 11 Leaders

individual performances. It was wonderful to see that all

at lunchtime in support Awareness of Breast Cancer.

events from the 100m sprints to the sack relay were fiercely

Some staff and students managed to run it off in a major way as lunchtime

competitive and as usual there was some fantastic House spirit

cranked it up a notch with the ‘friendly’ , staff v’s students ‘brasketball’

on display. Whether it was in the stands or out at events all

competition. You couldn’t have scripted the match better than the real thing.

girls were supporting each other and throwing themselves

Nicola Vester proved time and time again why she is definitely the right person

into events where needed.

for Sports Captain with an outstanding performance. There were no passengers

in the staff side with clinical precision throughout their whole side. With a

We look forward to returning to the Stadium in 2016.

comeback that mirrored the Dockers win against Richmond in the final seconds.

Mrs Emma Wood, Director of Sport

A three-pointer from Freya Walsh right in the last few seconds made it a nail

biter indeed. But Unlike the Dockers it wasn’t enough and the students went down by one point.

McAuley Shield

The big winner at the end of the day is Breast Cancer Care WA with the school raising $3,714.50 that will be donated to them for the excellent work that they

do. Thank you Santa Maria Staff and students for your ongoing support of such

The McAuley Shield is the fiercely sought after House Shield presented annually to the House who has earned the most points through the following interhouse competitions.

an important cause.

Swimming Carnival, Cross Country Carnival, Athletics

Mr Paul Morris, Head of Year 12

Carnival, Lunchtime Volleyball, Lunchtime Soccer, Theatresports, Public Speaking, Academic Triathlon and Junior Sport. This year the overal results were:

1st

Dillon House

648 points

2nd

Frayne House

643 points

3rd

O’Reilly House

642 points

4th

Corbett House

614 points

5th

de la Hoyde House

605 points

6th

Kelly House

601 points

7th

Byrne House

580 points

8th

O’Donnell House

567 points

Photos 1. Year 12 Ball Gown Parade 2. Staff vs Student Brasketball Game 3. Dillon House Captains Background image: Athletics Carnival

Feature

Consilii Centre Opening

A reflection on Sister Consilii from the Consilii Centre Opening

On Tuesday 1 September, the new Consilii Centre was officially blessed by the Most Reverend Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary

Deputy Principal Mission, Mrs Helen Chaffer

Bishop of Perth and officially opened by Dr Michael Chaney, Chancellor of the University of Western Australia. The new Science and Humanities & Social Sciences building is named after Consilii Flynn, Sister of Mercy and former Santa Maria

Sister Consilii was the most delightfully graceful lady with a

College Principal (1971 – 1975).

gentility and gentleness about her. However, I believe there was we would visit Aunty Ellie for

way in innovation and design. The Centre caters for over 1200

afternoon tea in the parlour,

students at the College from Years 5 - 12. Teaching spaces have

now part of the music rooms.

been specifically designed with the needs of each science subject

In those days, nuns didn’t

in mind. Students have access to a state of the art Super Lab

eat in public, and the public

Consilii noticed new boarders, always asked their names and

which provides a spacious open laboratory for multiple classes to

included the family. We spent

could readily connect them with mothers, aunts etc who had

conduct practical work, specialist laboratories, for Biology, Physics

years pestering mum about

Chemistry and Human Biology, for senior students, a Forum

why didn’t Aunty Ellie eat and

providing a space for guest speakers and video conferencing and

is that why she was so slim,

a greenhouse and abseiling facilities.

and did she ever eat? After

Our guest speaker Dr Chaney engaged guests with his excellent speech on the importance of Science and Humanities for the future of Australia. He spoke about the great opportunities we offer at the College and the significant number of our students continuing their studies of Science at UWA. He identified our hands-on approach to Science, drawing on the students’ own

a very firm side to her, as relayed by many ex-students when

The Consilii Centre is a state of the art building, leading the

experiences and encouraging students to be inquisitive and to question how things work as vital to building strong foundations in Science. These wonderful facilities will support the continued growth of Science courses and electives such as, Myth Busters, Science Quest, Marine Studies and for the first time in 2016, Brainstem, an elective studying the brain and biotechnology. The new

we had had afternoon tea, we

they return for reunions. If she were able to be at these reunions she would be able to name each person and give a run down on other family members. When I was Head of Boarding, Sister

been to the College. She had a special connection to the boarders, when living across the road she would always come to Mass, and stay and chat with the girls afterwards, something they all enjoyed.

would be allowed to escape

I loved the stories she shared - lights in the corridor, not in cells

so the adults could speak, and we would run around the College

to save money, she was caring for our common home long

as if it was home. We would usually end up in the kitchen with

before Pope Francis, and the austerity displayed by Sister Consilii

Sister Monica, who, if we sang her a song, usually ‘a frog went

and the other Sisters enabled the College to survive and be in a

walking on a summer’s day’, she would give us drinks and then

good financial position.

show us her birds in the huge bird cage behind the kitchen. Then we would go and play on the swings and slides and there was a

This was her home and she showed an interest in every facet of

‘whizzy thing’ – as one of my sisters described it - that we were

College life. She was the keeper of records, whenever there was

inevitably thrown off when someone pushed too hard.

an event, she would go up quietly to the organiser and ask for the program, the ticket or some memento to be kept as a record

Aunty Ellie loved the Arts. She made a point of introducing us

of what took place here at the College.

all to Hal Davies, and ensuring that we got to see as many of his

She had a special love of drama and with Mr Hal Davies, Head

plays at the College as we could.

of Drama at the time, ensured that this was an area that was

Humanities classrooms will also provide a stimulating environment

As the years went by, suddenly Aunty Ellie was allowed to eat with

to nurture and develop the skills of critical thinking that coming

us, get her licence and come and visit us at home for afternoon

generations will need to provide for the sustainability of our

tea. One of the things we always knew about Aunty Ellie, was

If the arts were nurtured, the roses where nourished. Today we

planet, the prosperity of our community and to ensure the

that she was endlessly interested in us, in what we were doing,

talk about Vince’s roses. Vince Auriemma has been the College

continuation of our cultural and citizenship values.

what we cared about, and how our lives were going. The tradition

gardener for over forty years. However, during Sister Consiliii’s

of afternoon tea with Aunty Ellie continued when she became a

lifetime they were Sister Consilii and Vince’s roses! Sister Consilii

great aunt. All the great nieces and nephews would visit Aunty

had a great love for the gardens at Santa Maria and was

The Consilii Centre was opened be the public on Sunday 13 September during the annual Arts Weekend. Past students, members of the College community and their visitors marvelled at the facilities, with many past students in awe of what students at the College today have access to.

A reflection on Sister Consilii from the Consilii Centre

Ellie when she was living across the street in the Moreing Road

house. Aunty Ellie would buy every lolly she could find, and cakes and treats and the kids would swim in the pool and generally create as much noise and havoc as we had done when we were small.

Opening Sister Consilii’s niece, Mrs Mary Power

We are all very honoured and humbled that you have chosen to

Your Sister Consilii was a teacher, a school principal, an avid

call your new building the Consilii Centre, and that Aunty Ellie’s

gardener and reader, a visionary, and a lover of music and drama.

name will always be associated with Santa Maria. We loved this

However, while she was all these things, she was also our Aunty

gracious, elegant and clever woman as our aunty, and she truly

Ellie, a treasured member of our family. One Sunday each month

loved us back. And she loved Santa Maria very deeply

Feature

nurtured.

instrumental in the development and design of the iconic rose gardens and selection of plants.

Photos 1. Sr Consilii Flynn 2. Mrs Mary Powell 3. Most Reverend Donald Sproxton 4. Dr Michael Chaney

The fond memories will be forever cherished and brought to life when explaining the name of this building. If each staff member who works in this building is able to connect with students in the manner Sister Consilii connected with students and staff alike we will continue to have Mercy in our midst. Mrs Helen Chaffer, Deputy Principal, Mission

Senior School

Around the Senior School Year 11 Father Daughter Dinner Dance

Year 10 Social

On Monday 24 August, over 220 guests attended the Father Daughter Dinner Dance, held at the Fremantle Sailing Club. It was a lovely evening, filled with opportunities for dads to connect with their daughters, share their experiences and get to know others in the Year group. We were treated to a speech given by Mr Stuart Wade expressing the many joys and challenges of being a dad, presented from the point of view of both a daughter and father.

The Year 10 Social held on Friday 28 August was a highly successful and fun-filled evening. Held in conjunction with Aquinas College, the event was an opportunity for students in both Year 10 cohorts to get together and put into practice, all that was learnt in their formal dancing lessons, leading up to the night. Although apprehensive and somewhat nervous on arrival, both the girls and boys soon eased into the swing of the night. Guided

On the night we surprised our dads by giving them letters to tell them how grateful we are for all they do for us and why we love them so much! The night was one to remember; scrumptious food, a beautiful picturesque setting, lots of laughter and great company. We were even treated to some extraordinary and vintage moves on the dance floor! It was a very enjoyable and entertaining night with many memories and new friends made.

by Gilkisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DJ Ryan, the students showed off their dancing prowess. In fact, students seemed to enjoy much more than the structured dancing segments of the night. Sometimes it was hard to believe that the students only had four lessons - their steps flawless and perfect. After some refreshments, the dancing began again, the initial tension now replaced by a fun and convivial mood. Indeed, judging by the sore feet of many at the end, students certainly enjoyed every minute of the night. Ms Jennifer Jansen, Head of Year 11

Bridget Lorraine (Year 11, Corbett) and Samantha Romeo (Year 11, Dillon)

Senior School

Photos 1 - 4. Father Daughter Dinner

Photos 1 - 4. Year 10 Social

Around the Middle School

Year 8 Bush Dance On Friday 7 August the girls of Santa Maria joined the

Explore8

boys from Aquinas College for the annual Bush Dance. This

The College’s Middle School Enhanced Learning Programs are an innovative initiative, created and implemented by Santa

event aims to build connections between the two Colleges’

Maria College staff, and designed specifically to meet the needs of Santa Maria students.

in a fun, social and supportive atmosphere.

The Enhanced Learning Program draws on an understanding of varying learning styles, processes

To provide the music for the night and to help the students learn

of inquiry and the belief that every girl should be challenged to extend herself. The Year 8

a variety of Bush Dances, we brought in the experts, the famous

Enhanced Learning Program is Explore8 in which students are involved in a two-week program

‘Mucky Duck Bush Band.

of guest speakers and skill development sessions. This years guest speakers include Australian Cricketer, Michael Hussey and the Chief Scientist of WA, Professor Peter Klinken. The program culminates in a self-directed project focused on ‘Improving Australia’s Future’, which is shared with staff and family members in an exhibition format on the evening of the Middle School Awards Night. Based on the Inquiry Process, this program is highly interactive and a highlight of the academic year. The main aim of Explore8 is to extend students, but also aims to enable students to become more independent learners, help students become more critical thinkers, give students more choice in what they learn, increase their love of learning and expose students to some interesting ideas and people.

Although the students were initially a little apprehensive about the event, they soon warmed to the idea and were busy spinning their partners around the dance floor and tapping the night away. It was fantastic to see all students fully embrace the opportunity to get dress up in their jeans, checkered shirt, boots, belt buckles and hats. The behavior of the students on the night was exceptional and all had a great time. Thank you to both the Santa Maria and Aquinas staff, who supervised, dressed up, danced and supported the

During Term 4, Year 8 students will be introduced to the Explore8 program and will be asked to begin thinking about what they are

students throughout the night.

passionate about and then what they will investigate during the two-week program at the end of term. This is an exciting program

Ms Amber Stieber, Head of Year 8

which the Year8s traditionally love. I look forward to seeing the wide and varied topics the girls will investigate and the creative and

3 18

innovative products they create to demonstrate what they have learnt in their research. Let’s get exploring! Mrs Tracy Webste, Head of Middle School

Middle School

“When we first entered the hall, there were hay bails and people in farmers flannelette T-shirts everywhere. The lights began to dim and the ‘Mucky Duck Bush Band’ began to play their songs. The night was full of dancing, singing and whistling around like cowboys and cowgirls. After we had participated in different styles of ‘bush dancing’, we slowed it down and took a welldeserved rest with a slice of pizza and a refreshing cool drink. Before we knew it, the evening was coming to a close. The evening left us with many great memories, new friends and a lot to look forward to for our next social”

Jasmine Della Bona (Year 8, Dillon)

Photos 1 - 5. Year 8 Bush Dance

Junior School

Around the Junior School Open Night Late in August Junior School Homerooms were opened to allow parents, families and friends to see the work that has recently been completed. The rooms are always ablaze with colour and the students and their teachers take well-deserved pride in the work on display. Some Homerooms had quizzes where visitors pit themselves against one another, while others had photographs of past events running on the interactive televisions. The Learning Centre and Gifted & Talented rooms were also open for the first time and there was a steady stream of visitors to see these areas. The displays showed current work and led to much discussion and sharing of information between adults and children. The evening was well attended and provided a unique opportunity for parents to view their daughter’s Homeroom.

Grandparents’ Morning The morning following Open Night was a celebration of a different kind when we welcomed grandparents of the Junior School students to share Mass and morning tea.

AJ Betts Inspires and Delights On 18 August 2015, special guest Amanda J Betts visited Santa Maria College to speak to Year 8 students. As part of our

The Mass is always a reverent occasion and celebrated with Father Sean Fernandez from Attadale Parish. The Year 5 and 6 choir entertained the visitors with a medley of songs. Student Representative Council members explained the similarities and the differences between school life now and in the past before showing a montage of photographs from events held at the College this year. A morning tea was served by the Parent Network where delicious sandwiches, biscuits and slices were consumed. The visitors and their

granddaughters then proceeded to the Homerooms to view the work on display. There was much ‘ooing’ and ‘ahhing’ over the efforts of the students and praise for the standard of work on display. The grandparents are always a source of positive reinforcement for the students and it is wonderful that so many are able to join us for this annual event. Mrs Andrea Dopson, Head of Junior School

extension English program, we were invited to attend with the Year 8 students. Her talk was held in The Forum of the newly built Consilii Building. Upon arrival, Head of the Sawle Literature and Research Centre, Mrs Rouhiainen introduced the passionate writer and well-known author. AJ Betts’ presentation began by explaining her life as an author. This included describing her first books, ‘Wave Length’ and ‘Shutter Speed’. Most of the girls appeared very intrigued by her books. AJ Betts was one of the first people to write in the K-Zone Magazine and shared this experience with the excited students. Her first job was as a teacher at Princess Margaret Hospital in the oncology ward and she has continued doing this since being an author. She came by her inspiration for her newest book Zac and Mia from one of the patients.

AJ Betts entertained the audience with memories from her childhood. She grew up in Tulley, Queensland. As a child she was surrounded with cane toads and mud and they soon became a part of her life. She was known as a tomboy at school and loved playing outside. All of her life she has enjoyed riding her bike and as a girl, enjoyed collecting buttons and other small objects. She told the group about her unique hobbies such as reading shopping lists, borrowing people’s stories and writing in the open to give her fresh ideas. When AJ Betts finished her presentation, smiles of excitement and enthusiasm rippled through the audience. There was a lot to take home from this important discussion with lots of interesting facts that you would only get from AJ Betts. There were conversations of inspiration and girls wanting to become an author. Abbey & Lauren Winship (Year 5, Frayne)

4 Photos 1. Grandparents Morning 2 & 3. Open Night 3. AJ Betts

Mercy Day

Parent Council From the Parent Council A Comfortable Cup of Tea “When Catherine McAuley was dying, many of the sisters gathered around her bedside to say good-bye and to pray the prayers for the dying. Not long before she died, at the end of a long day of waiting, she said to one of the sisters “Be sure you have a comfortable cup of tea for them when I am gone.” Ever since, the comfortable cup of tea has been a symbol of the warm and caring relationship which was at the heart of Catherine McAuley’s Mercy vision.” (Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, Pennsylvania, USA) The Showcase weekend gave our girls an opportunity to perform on stage; to sing, dance and act. The creative talents of the Year 12 students were exhibited and we marvelled at their artwork. The weekend also showcased the wonderful community spirit we are gifted with! There was an amazing array of delicious cakes, slices and tasty morsels, all made by extraordinary members of our College Community. I heard of one extraordinary mother, of which I would like to share with you. This mother travelled quite some distance to drop off her beautifully made platter of cakes to the showcase. Not only did this mother create, bake and deliver the platter to the College she was going to return and pick up her platter at the end of the day. What makes this act so extraordinary you may ask? Well this mother’s daughter was not performing in the showcase at all! The comfortable cup of tea, marks the Mercy spirit of hospitality and legacy of the Parent Council with it’s Special Interest Groups at Santa Maria College. The comfortable cup of tea was extended at the opening and blessing of the new Concilli Centre. We were so fortunate to hear from

Dr Michael Chaney AO who spoke with such knowledge and positivity of the scientific education our girls receive at the College and indeed the amount of girls who progress onto UWA. I am sure you will agree the Concilli Centre certainly has the “wow” factor, to inspire any budding scientist. The Parent Council have been working during Term 3 putting together a program of notable speakers for the parents of our College community in 2016. We are passionate about ensuring our College Community of parents are supported and informed. The allocation of funds have paid for the air conditioning upgrade of the Doyle Building, two thirds of the total amount have been paid with the final amount to be paid in 2016.The total funds contributed to this project will be $100,000.00. The Parent Council have earmarked another $10,000 to construct solar bollards across the figure eight. The solar bollards will assist parents, grandparents and students in the evening walking safely across the figure eight to College events. I would like to welcome Wim Smithies to the Parent Council, Wim joins Cam Robinson and takes up a Mozzie representative role on the Council. The Parent Council will now have Mozzie representation from the Junior, Middle and Senior School. Now for another comfortable cup of tea or those whose know me a juice. Sue McLennan-Atkins, Parent Council Chair

Hospitality at the Showcase Weekend

Old Girls’ Association

Where are they now? Faith Evans (English, 1990)

The Santa Maria Old Girls’ Mother Daughter High Tea

Jacqui Daniels (Lange, Class

was held at the College on Friday 14 August 2015 with

of 1986) has recently been

approximately sixty in attendance. It is an exciting and

appointed as Old Girls’

fun afternoon for past students who currently have

Association Coordinator. This is

daughters at the College. Special thanks to College

an exciting new role created by

Humpty Doo Primary School

Archivists Dr Roberta Cowan and Mrs Barbara Maher for

the Association to further assist

where my youngest daughter

creating a display showing dances held at the College in

in connecting past students and

is in Year 5. I enjoy looking for

days gone by, the girls and their mothers found them

the College and will continue

names and faces I recognise in

very entertaining.

to grow and build on the

We live in the beautiful Top End of Australia! My husband and I farm heliconia flowers! I also

Congratulations

work part-time as a teacher at

the De La Vida magazine, and

valuable work undertaken by

am proud to see that Santa Maria continues to encourage and support young women to strive for

The annual Old Girls Mercy Day Mass was held on Sunday 13

the College, especially Karen

September. It was well attended by past students and their

Bickerton and Charmaine Versluis (Priest, 1977). Special thanks

families, who were invited to meditate on a Eucharistic Liturgy,

to these wonderful ladies for all their assistance and hard work

Maria students of the privileged place they hold in our society

that challenged us to put our faith into action. To enhance

throughout over the years.

and to use their time there well.

excellence in all areas of their lives. I think fondly of my time as a boarder at the College and I would like to remind all Santa

the theme, two girls from the Class of 2014, Nicola Principe

and Amy Hutchinson, presented a detailed reflection on the

The SMOGA is managed by a committee of past students

Cambodia Immersion program they participated in at the end

ranging from the Classes of 1963 to 2002. They volunteer their

Hannah Willis (2011)

of last year where they were able to live out the Mercy values.

time to build a sense of community, encouraging members to

I am currently in my third year of

reconnect with the College and friends through a number of

a Double Degree in Behavioural

events throughout the year. If you are a Santa Maria ‘Old Girl’

Science and Arts, with Social Justice

and would like to join the committee or assist in organising an

and Politics/International Relations

event, please contact the Association via Jacqui E: smcoga@santamaria.wa.edu.au and a committee member will contact you and provide you with further information. Ms Danielle Cattalini (1986)

Congratulations to Natasha Bennett (2006) and Steven Smith, married on 15 March 2015 in the Santa Maria College Chapel

majors. I am involved with AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) as a mentor, role model and tutor for Years 7-12 Indigenous high school students. I am inspired when

Photos 1 & 2. Mother Daughter High tea 3. Jacqui Daniels (Lange, 186) 4. Mercy Day Mass

I hear the hobbies, achievements and future ambitions of these students, many of whom have experienced intergenerational cycles of discrimination due to lack of opportunity to achieve academically. I also participate in Toastmasters Fremantle, an international organisation formed to assist anyone over the age of 18 in developing and refining leadership and public speaking skills. In 2013-2014 I was an environmental ambassador for the Wilderness Society, WA. Earlier this year, I was awarded a scholarship through the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia and the Western Australian Department of Youth and Communities to attend the sixth University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Hong Kong which focused on various humanitarian issues.

Congratulations to Kylie Ditchburn (2005) and Brendan Archer who were married at Santa Maria College on 7 February 2015.