Our Year 12 boarders marked their final weeks at Santa Maria with a day of celebration, reflection and connection, beginning with a surprise breakfast prepared by the Year 11s. From Mass to one final dinner with Boarding staff, the farewell honoured the friendships and community that made Boarding home.
A Special Farewell for Our Year 12 Boarders Read More »
This week, we celebrate National Boarding Week honouring our students who travel from regional and remote communities. We marked the week with a school-wide assembly with boarders sharing their personal stories, and a variety of events across the week. Boarding at Santa Maria College is a significant part of the College’s identity, with boarders contributing to leadership, community life, and the school’s culture of belonging.
Echoes from Home: Celebrating Boarding Week at Santa Maria College Read More »
National Boarding Week at Santa Maria College highlights the story of Grace and Clare, two sisters from De Grey Station near Port Hedland. Their experience shows how students from remote areas adapt to boarding life while bringing resilience, perspective and strong community spirit. The article explores their station upbringing, the challenges they have faced, and the support they have found in boarding.
From Pilbara Cyclones to Boarding School, Clare and Grace’s Story Read More »
School holidays can look very different for boarding students from rural communities. Mackenzie, a Year 7 boarder from Three Springs, spends her time at home helping on her family farm, caring for animals and taking on responsibilities that reflect a strong sense of independence. Her story shows how those experiences shape the resilience, perspective and quiet capability boarders bring to school life.
A Different Kind of School Holidays, Mackenzie’s Boarding Story Read More »
When her daughters left for boarding school, Dr Teresa O’Brien faced the quiet ache many rural mothers know all too well. In this powerful reflection, she opens a much-needed conversation on identity, grief, and rediscovery beyond the role of mother.
Living the Empty Nest – A World Beyond Mothering – Dr Teresa O’Brien (1982) Read More »
Our Year 11 boarders swapped blazers for high-vis during an unforgettable trip to Fortescue’s Solomon Mine. From exploring massive machinery to meeting industry pros, they got a real taste of mining life, and it might just shape their future.
Year 11 Boarders Explore Mining Careers in the Pilbara Read More »
Bronagh, our newly appointed 2026 Head Boarder, is already making waves with her heartfelt vision for connection and inclusivity. Learn how this proud country girl is carrying on a legacy of leadership that celebrates authenticity and community.
Introducing Our 2026 Head Boarder – Bronagh Read More »
Our graduating boarders have finished their Santa Maria journey on a high, claiming 26% of all awards! Their effort, resilience, and community spirit have made us incredibly proud, a wonderful reflection of what it means to be a Mercy woman.
Celebrating Our Graduating Boarders Read More »
When Claire’s family hosted one of WA’s biggest off-road racing events, it was not just a weekend of adrenaline, it was a powerful lesson in teamwork, resilience, and rural pride.
The Eva’s – Grit, Guts and a Family-Run Festival of Endurance Read More »
What does boarding teach you about life, friendship and growing up? Our Year 12 boarders reflect on their favourite memories, hilarious moments, and heartfelt lessons as they say farewell to Santa Maria College.
Year 12 Boarders Reflect on Santa Maria College Read More »
One of our 2014 graduates has come full circle. Meg Flugge has returned to Santa Maria as part of our Boarding team. Her journey from student to mentor is a heartwarming reminder of the lifelong bonds formed here.
Back to Boarding – Meg’s Santa Maria Story Read More »
From peg-bidding wars to pop-up shop fun, our boarders turned fashion into fundraising at the Op Shop Swap. See how sustainability and sisterhood took centre stage.
Op Shop Swap Brings Boarding Together Read More »
What’s it really like to be a boarder at Santa Maria? Head Girl Annika and Deputy Head Girl Scarlett joined our boarding houses for a few days, and left with unforgettable stories, laughter, and lifelong connections.
Two Nights, Lifelong Lessons – Our Time in Boarding Read More »
Boarders took centre stage in this year’s Boarding Week celebration! From dodgeball drama to sheep shearing on the oval, discover the energy, laughter, and leadership that make our boarding students such a vital part of Santa Maria.
Beat the Boarders – Bringing the Country to the City Read More »
Discover how Santa Maria College’s Year 7 boarders are embracing first-time experiences, building friendships, and finding a sense of belonging through our unique Embrace Program, weekly PJ Series, and creative connections like Colour Me Home.
Year 7 Embrace – Firsts, Friendship and Finding Your Feet Read More »
From Dowerin to Port Hedland, our boarders bring energy, diversity, and heart to campus life. Discover how Boarding Week at Santa Maria College honours their stories and the special bonds they build every day.
Meet the Boarders Who Call Santa Home Read More »
What happens when a Year 7 boarder follows in her great-grandmother’s 80-year-old footsteps? Discover the touching story of Charlotte and Joan, a family legacy stitched with memories, courage, and connection.
A Legacy of Love – Charlotte and Her GG’s Santa Maria Story Read More »
What’s it really like to send your daughter off to boarding school? Three Santa Maria mums open up about the surprising joys, emotional hurdles, and the powerful personal growth they’ve witnessed — and why they wouldn’t change a thing.
Through Our Eyes – Boarding Parents Share Their Santa Maria Experience Read More »
Two Year 12 ACCESS students, Emily and Arabella, have earned top honours at the South Metro and South Regional TAFE Awards. Discover how their passion and dedication are shaping their futures, and inspiring others!
Real Skills, Real Success – Emily & Bella’s TAFE Triumph Read More »
Year 9 student Evelyn and her mother, Susan, took part in the first Kirup Camino, a 16km pilgrimage from Kirup to Balingup. This journey offered Evelyn the chance to reconnect with teachers and friends from her primary school while sharing a memorable bonding experience with her mother amidst Western Australia’s stunning landscapes.
A Mother-Daughter Journey – The First Kirup Camino Read More »
This week, we celebrated our Year 12 boarders with a special long table dinner, a ‘Mama Mia’-themed breakfast, and an emotional farewell Mass. Each event was a special tribute, from handmade cards and karaoke fun to touching speeches of gratitude, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
Farewell To Our Year 12 Boarders Read More »
This past weekend, our Year 10 boarding students joined other Perth boarding schools for a river cruise filled with laughter, music, and the chance to reconnect with friends. From dancing to delicious food, the night was a celebration of friendship and the vibrant spirit of our boarders.
Year 10 Boarders Enjoy River Cruise Social Read More »
From early 2023 to mid-2024, Aimee Deane joined the Australian Boarding Schools Association Emerging Boarding Leaders program to enhance her leadership skills and positively impact the Santa Maria boarding community. This journey led to the creation of the Aspiring Leaders Program, a pilot initiative offering junior boarders leadership opportunities previously reserved for Year 12 students.
Nurturing Our Future Boarding Leaders Read More »
In this insightful interview, Colleen McManus, the Academic Care Coordinator at Santa Maria College, shares her vital role in ensuring academic success for boarding students. She discusses her methods of providing study support, maintaining communication, and her background as an educator. Her dedication and structured approach help boarders thrive academically.
Empowering Academic Success in Boarding Read More »
Santa Maria College boarders recently celebrated a heartwarming Christmas in July Liturgy and dinner with Aquinas, highlighting the strong bond between the two schools. Students enjoyed festive costumes, delicious Christmas-themed meals, and shared liturgies, reinforcing their friendship and sense of community. This evening showcased the values of faith and togetherness cherished by both schools.
Christmas in July: Celebrating Faith and Friendship with Aquinas Read More »
Meet the Fowler family from Esperance, who have embraced boarding life at Santa Maria College. With three daughters boarding, they share their experiences, insights, and reasons for choosing boarding and Santa Maria. Discover their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the community support that has made Santa Maria their second home.
Embracing Boarding Life: A Parent’s Perspective Read More »
Back in the day, parents used to threaten children with being sent to boarding school if they were poorly behaved. The idea was odious. It raised images of cruel adults and stark, bleak corridors leading to overcrowded dormitories. The modern reality couldn’t be further from the truth; however, some of the mythology remains. Let’s debunk some of the myths of boarding school.
5 Myths of Boarding School Read More »
Boarding schools offer a unique blend of independence, social skills, and leadership opportunities for students. From early development of life skills to a strong voice in school management, boarders thrive in a supportive community. Learn five things you may not know about boarding schools and their positive impact on students.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Boarding School Read More »
In Australia, boarding schools offer unique opportunities for rural students who lack local secondary education options. This blog explores the advantages of boarding, addressing parental concerns and highlighting the positive impact on students’ academic, social, and personal development. Insights from psychologist Jane Carmignani reveal how boarding environments foster resilience, independence, and strong relationships, ensuring that boarding is a beneficial choice for many families.
The Advantages of Boarding School Read More »
Santa Maria College, in collaboration with TAFE WA, is excited to announce the trial of a new TAFE qualification in Wool Handling.
Exciting New TAFE Qualification in Wool Handling at SMC Read More »
