Girls rise to the challenge
Schools
Female students at St Michael’s College have been racking up a series of outstanding achievements in the classroom and on the sports field during 2023.

The Henley Beach school became fully co-educational at the secondary campus in 2008 and continues to celebrate the success of girls in all areas including sports, STEM, the Arts, VET and career development, in a cross section of curriculum areas, in academic awards, leadership opportunities and mentoring programs.
Principal Tony Daley said all students at the college were encouraged to “challenge themselves to embrace different experiences”.
“Whatever the calling, the college supports each student’s unique journey towards a life of exploration, fulfilment and success,” he said.
Some of the top achievements by the female students this year include:
- The senior A grade girls basketball team defeated Henley High in the Statewide Knockout basketball grand final and secured a spot at this year’s National School Championships. This was the first St Michael’s team to make the championships.
- The Open netball team won three grand finals in 2023. It defeated Henley High in the grand final to take out the Statewide Knockout netball championships, won the SACSSGSA grand final against Sacred Heart College, and also came away winner of the Waverley International netball carnival held at the end of Term 2 in Melbourne.
- The Open girls knockout football team reached the grand final for the fourth consecutive year.
- The college’s inaugural SALA exhibition, ‘Divergent’, was a resounding success and showcased the remarkable talents of Year 7-12 Visual Arts students.
- The college musical, We Will Rock You and Pulse 15 Music Showcase, highlighted the talents of female students in Performing Arts who filled some leading roles.
- In the 2022 SACE academic achievements, Holly Dini was named College Dux and Bridie Dolan received a Governor’s Commendation.
- A total of 35 per cent of students who study VET at the school are female, covering 35 different industries, including trade-based VET courses in areas such as engineering, aviation, hairdressing and business.
“The college is so proud of all their achievements and we, along with the Old Scholar community, continue to celebrate the success of the girls of St Michael’s,” Mr Daley said.
There are limited Year 7 places available for 2024 and 2026 Year 7 enrolments close soon.

2022 College Dux Holly Dini pictured with SA Governor Frances Adamson.

Performers at the Pulse 15 music showcase.