Consider this: A group of young women in French navy and gold uniforms are laughing. They are rushing to class at Santa Maria College. What stories do these walls hold?
Santa Maria College is more than just a school. It is a place where young women are empowered. They learn to be strong compassionate and independent.
Founded in 1904 by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan the school was originally named Good Samaritan High School. The Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict were inspired by John Bede Polding OSB. He was Australia’s first Catholic Archbishop. He wanted them to care for those in need like Jesus.
The school began in the servant’s quarters of Maesbury. That building is still used today as the student-run coffee shop Benedict’s. In 1906 the Sisters moved to South Yarra. They purchased a property in Caroline Street and named the school Santa Maria.
Because many students travelled from the northern suburbs the Sisters decided to close the South Yarra school. They built a new college in Northcote. The new school opened on October 29 1933. In 1934 there were 84 students. Today Santa Maria College has approximately 900 students.
Santa Maria College is located on a 2.5-hectare campus in Northcote. Northcote is seven kilometers north of Melbourne’s central business district.
Santa Maria College is an IB World School. It offers the Middle Years Program to students in years 7 to 10. Students can study Italian and Japanese as part of the LOTE program. LOTE means Languages Other Than English.
Extracurricular activities are very important at Santa Maria College. Students can participate in debating teams. They compete in inter-house and DAV competitions.
More than 15 different sports are offered. These include basketball cross country soccer and more. The College also hosts an annual inter-house athletics and swimming carnival. Students compete to earn house points.
School productions are held every year. Musicals and plays alternate. The music program includes a variety of instruments and vocal lessons.
The College has a true multicultural profile. Many students represent third and fourth-generation migrant families. There is also a growing number of Aboriginal and Sudanese students. This provides a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and mutual respect.
Santa Maria College is a welcoming school with determined leadership and a committed staff. It is highly regarded in the community. The school cares deeply for its students.
Santa Maria College is a place where girls become strong compassionate and independent women. They are critical thinkers. They live out Gospel values with integrity hope and joy.
As you leave Santa Maria College consider its motto: Quantum Potes Tantum Aude. It means Dare to do as much as you are able. This is the spirit of Santa Maria College.