At the end of last year, Ian Elder retired from his position as Principal of Santa Maria College after a very successful eight years at the helm. Ian was a great supporter of our Association and we thank him once again for his guidance, knowledge and for providing opportunities for the OGA to continue to be part of the College.

It is also with great pleasure and pride that I acknowledge and welcome one of our OGA members, Jennifer Oaten (Buckenara 1985), to the role of Principal at Santa Maria College. Jennifer attended Santa Maria College, as a boarder, and has a strong connection not only with the College but with the Mercy values. She is also a parent at Santa Maria College. Jennifer was kind enough to attend and address the OGA members at our recent BGM and we look forward to working together with her and the College staff.

Our BGM was held on Monday 19 February, 2018 and I thank all those who attended. At the meeting, the Committee Members and Executive Positions were elected as follows:

President: Gemma Varone (2009)
Vice President: Natasha Hammond (Fic 1985)
Treasurer: Gwen Wood (Berrigan 1963)

Committee Members:
Claire Hales (Barrett-Lennard 1996)
Mary Bairstow (Heavens 1974)
Alison Auld (Chaffer 1986)
Ainslie Bourne (1987)
Danielle Cattalini (1986)

If anyone is interested in being part of the committee or taking on another role, please contact Jacqui Daniels smcoga@santamaria.wa.edu.au

After six years as President of the OGA, I now have stepped down from the position and leave the Association in the very capable hands of Gemma Varone. Gemma is an active and valued member of the committee and will lead the OGA with strength, understanding and enthusiasm. She will be supported with Natasha Hammond as Vice President and both ladies have a strong understanding of the OGA and years of professional experience in communications and management. We also welcome new committee member, Alison Auld.

I thank all our members for the privilege and honour of representing our Association in my role and am proud of what the committee has achieved over the past years, especially being able to appoint an OGA Coordinator on a part-time basis. This has enabled the OGA to expand, grow and provide great opportunities for our members to maintain connections with each other and the College.

Special thanks to the OGA committee members for their support and hard work in making my role, as President, easier and to Jacqui Daniels, OGA Coordinator, for her continuous energy and ideas.

I also thank the College for their support, especially Ian Elder, Jennifer Oaten, Margo Bastow and Karen Bickerton.

The future looks bright.

Thanks and kindest regards
Danielle Cattalini