Santa Maria College’s Term 4 was a season of milestones, celebrations, and achievements. Highlights included the Year 9 Reflection Day fostering inclusivity, Inspire 2024 showcasing creativity, and the Tribute Concert displaying musical talent. With events like Santa4Santa Day and Golden Girls Luncheon, our community spirit shone brightly.
Term 4 Highlights – Capping Off A Fabulous Year – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
And that’s a wrap! What an incredible week it’s been, and even better, we are celebrating the end of another fantastic year for our students! We are so excited for you to see what they got up to in our Weekly Wrap Up.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 8, Term 4 2024 Read More »
Our Year 5 students embraced a unique science challenge – building solar ovens to cook mini pizzas! This fun, hands-on project taught them about solar thermal energy, materials science, and problem-solving. From research and design to testing their creations, they showed incredible creativity and teamwork.
Cooking with Solar Energy – Year 5s Pizza Oven Project Read More »
At Santa Maria College, French and Italian language students explored cultural traditions through hands-on cooking. From making crêpes and Croque monsieur to preparing bruschetta and il tronchetto, students practiced vocabulary while celebrating the stories and flavours of French and Italian cuisine.
Connecting Language, Culture, and Food Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Future10 program empowers Year 10 students with financial literacy, confidence, and independence. Over three days, students engaged in practical activities, creative outlets, and inspiring talks, preparing them for life beyond school. Discover how Future10 is shaping confident young leaders.
Future Ready with Future10 Read More »
Year 7 students embarked on an exciting challenge, simulating NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission. Using the engineering design process, they created heat shields to protect chocolate from melting under simulated solar heat. This hands-on activity fostered creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Year 7 Science Students Simulate NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Year 9 Marine Science excursion to Penguin Island combined hands-on learning with unforgettable experiences. Students explored Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, tested for microplastics, observed dolphins, and studied nesting seabirds, gaining insights into marine conservation and the challenges wildlife face.
Exploring Marine Wonders – Year 9’s Penguin Island Adventure Read More »
Discover how Santa Maria College’s Year 8 Maths students brought learning to life by designing and building scale model backyards. This hands-on project combined creativity, collaboration, and real-world maths skills like measurement, ratios, and cost estimation.
Creativity Meets Calculations – Year 8 Backyard Design Project Read More »
Year 8 English students showcased their skills in a creative task analysing Taylor Swift’s best bridges. Combining textual analysis, persuasive language, and multimodal presentations, they explored emotive language, audience impact, and performance quality. The results were impressive and full of creative flair!
Taylor Swift Meets the Year 8 Classroom Read More »
John Wray, a pillar of Santa Maria College since 2001, retires after 43 incredible years in teaching. From inspiring students in mathematics to pioneering initiatives like Edval and Buswest, John’s legacy is one of passion, mentorship, and innovation. He reflects on his journey, career highlights, and advice for students.
43 Years of Dedication – John Wray’s Inspiring Career in Education Read More »
Santa Maria College celebrated the achievements of Years 5 and 6 students during the 2024 Awards Morning. The event showcased talent through performances, recognised academic success, and embraced individuality with an inspiring speech by Principal Jennifer Oaten, encouraging students to “dance their own dance.”
Years 5 & 6 Awards Morning 2024 Read More »
Grace Ritchie, a 2019 Santa Maria graduate, exemplifies passion and persistence. From early graphic design to a career in modelling, art, and styling in Sydney, her journey celebrates creativity, growth, and determination. Discover her story, lessons learned, and advice for pursuing creative dreams.
Grace Ritchie on Passion, Persistence, and Taking Leaps Read More »
Santa Maria College’s 2024 Years 7-11 Awards Night celebrated students’ achievements and embraced the theme “The Butterfly Effect: Small Actions, Big Changes.” Through inspiring stories and a call to action, the evening honoured dedication while highlighting the transformative power of small actions.
Years 7 – 11 Awards Evening 2024 Read More »
Discover the inspiring journey of Jacida Lombardini. From 2015 graduate to a Rural Manager at Rabobank Australia. Follow the story of resilience, career pivots, and finding fulfilment in the diverse and impactful world of rural banking, alongside insights into maintaining a balanced and joyful lifestyle.
Catching Up with Jacinda Lombardini, Rabobank Rural Manager Read More »
Santa Maria College’s Year 6 students celebrated the end of their primary school journey with a heartfelt liturgy and creative vision board activity. Reflecting on friendships, growth, and values like hospitality and compassion, they embraced the milestone with gratitude and excitement for their next chapter.
Goodbye Primary School, Hello High School! Read More »
Explore the collaborative efforts between schools, parents, and the government to promote the digital wellbeing of young people. Learn about policies, educational initiatives, and practical tips for managing technology, fostering online responsibility, and balancing digital use with wellness.
Navigating Social Media Together, Government, Schools, Parents – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
What another fun and busy week! Our students and staff got to enjoy a variety of fun and engaging activities. We are so excited for you to see what everyone got up to in Week 7.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 7, Term 4 2024 Read More »
Santa Maria College, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, is excited to launch UniPath (Health Stream) in 2025. This 12-week program prepares students for health-related undergraduate degrees, offering guaranteed entry, hands-on university experience, skill development, and a seamless transition from high school to university life.
Introducing UniPath (Health Stream) – A New Pathway to Success in 2025 Read More »
Year 5 Ignite students at Santa Maria College explored science, engineering, and creativity by designing Rube Goldberg machines. Through imagination, problem-solving, and teamwork, they turned simple tasks into elaborate contraptions while learning about energy, biomimicry, and simple machines.
Year 5 IGNITE Students Master Rube Goldberg Machines Read More »
After 52 years of exceptional teaching, Geoff Kay retires, leaving an indelible mark on students and colleagues. From field trips to fostering a love for geography and sport, Geoff’s career reflects passion, connection, and lifelong learning. His legacy continues to inspire generations at Santa Maria College and beyond.
Celebrating Geoff Kay – 52 Years of Teaching Excellence Read More »
Our Women in Business group brought the holiday spirit and entrepreneurial energy to life with a festive Christmas Market. Students showcased their handcrafted items, demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and business skills. The market was filled with cheerful decorations, Christmas carols, and a sense of community as students experienced real-world business lessons.
Women in Business Spread Christmas Cheer Read More »
This week, Santa Maria College opened the Year 12 Alfresco area for the Class of 2025, symbolising the start of their final year. Designed to be a vibrant space for connection, relaxation, and reflection, it celebrates their hard work and fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and growth.
Where Memories Are Made – The Year 12 Alfresco Area Read More »
The Power of Drama” explores the transformative impact of drama on students, emphasising resilience, confidence, and community building. Through their participation in productions, students develop essential life skills, from handling setbacks to embracing change and building empathy. Drama becomes a stage for lifelong growth
The Power Of Drama – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
Week 6 has been a whirlwind of activity, filled with fun and excitement for everyone to enjoy! We can’t wait for you to see what we all got up to this week in the Weekly Wrap Up!
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 6, Term 4 2024 Read More »
The Parent Council Grant has played a pivotal role in enriching student career education at Santa Maria College. Leana Martin, a recipient of the 2024 grant, used the funding to attend the Careers Conference in Melbourne, bringing back key insights and strategies to foster resilience and adaptability in students’ career journeys.
Empowering Student Futures – The Impact of the Parent Council Grant Read More »
Santa4Santa Day at Santa Maria College is a heartwarming tradition where students and staff join in the spirit of giving. This year, the event was filled with joy, festive hats, and acts of kindness, with donations supporting local charities like St Vincent de Paul. The effort reminds everyone how compassion can uplift the community.
Santa4Santa Day – Celebrating Community Spirit & Generosity Read More »
Our Year 5 students brought enthusiasm and energy to the 2024 Summer Games, diving into sports like Tee Ball, AFL, Newcombe Ball, and Cricket. Starting with skill sessions, they learned new techniques and grew in confidence. The day highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the joy of friendly competition.
A Day of Team Spirit and New Skills – Year 5 Summer Games Read More »
Santa Maria College’s annual Academic Triathlon fosters school pride, teamwork, and intellectual enthusiasm. The event challenges students from all Houses in Spelling, General Knowledge, and Math rounds, with the aim of winning the title of ‘Smartest House.’ Led by Academic Captain Amelia Taranto, the triathlon is a unique event where students collaborate across age groups, creating friendships and inspiring academic growth. Teachers, coordinators, and students work closely to bring the triathlon to life, proving that academic achievements are celebrated with the same passion as sports at Santa Maria College.
Academic Triathlon 2024 – Who Will Hold the Title? Read More »
Cyber safety expert Paul Litherland shares crucial insights with Santa Maria College families on navigating the digital world safely. Covering topics from social media safety to device guidelines and AI risks, Paul emphasizes the importance of parental engagement and open conversations for online safety.
A Conversation with Cyber Safety Expert Paul Litherland – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
What an incredible week it’s been—full of laughter, great memories, and engaging activities for everyone! This Weekly Wrap-Up has it all, and we can’t wait for you to see all the fun we had!
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 5, Term 4 2024 Read More »
