Class Notes - OGA eNews Issue 1, 2026

2013
Xenia Puskarz Thomas

Congratulations to internationally acclaimed mezzo saprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas (’13) who will perform a recital of Baroque and French repertoire, alongside David Belkovski, as part of this year’s Opera Queensland Studio Series – 13 & 14 March 2026, Opera Queensland Studio.

Since graduating Xenia has studied at the Queensland Conservatorium and the Julliard School and has been gracing international stages. In 2024, she was acclaimed by The New York Times as one of their “Top Five Breakout Artists of the Festival” for her performances at the 2024 Salzburger Festspiele.

2009
Tara Pokarier

I’m writing to share a cause that is very close to my heart. As part of my journey as a finalist in Miss Universe Australia, I am fundraising for ToyBox Australia, a national charity supporting sick and disadvantaged children and their families. 

ToyBox works alongside its partner charities Camp Quality, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ocean Heroes to provide care, joy and meaningful support to families during some of their most challenging times. After supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney over the past two years, I am incredibly honoured to now be raising funds nationwide through ToyBox Australia. The response so far has been very encouraging, and I am passionate about making a real and lasting impact.

My fundraising page can be found here: https://toyboxaustralia.grassrootz.com/miss-universe-australia-2026/tara-pokarier. Any support in helping raise awareness for this cause would be sincerely appreciated.

2006
Kate Thompson (nee Bondfield) & Caitlin Filmer

Class of 2006!

Wow – we can't believe it has been 20 years since we ruled the seniors room, tied up our final brown shoelace and waved goodbye to the Class of 2006. While we may have traded our Nokias for iPhones and our MySpace Top Friends for LinkedIn connections, we are certain that this group of Old Girls could still get down on the d-floor...

... And what better opportunity than our 20 year school reunion! A night to swap stories (that didn't make it into public Facebook photo albums), reminisce about skinny jeans and catch up on two decades of life.

We would love to see you in Brisbane on the 25^th of July! Save the date and look here for more information: https://paststudents.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/events/view/st-margaret-s-reunion-weekend-2026-save-the-date

We are also trying to collect as many (hilarious) photos from our high school years, so dust off those USB sticks and send them through to developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Hope to see you there!
Kate & Caitlin (olden day School Captains)

2000
Emily Sellens

Emily Sellens once again, in 2025 competed in the Sydney to Hobart Race. She sailed on Mako with an all-male crew except for herself. The race proved challenging again, with only 93 boats finishing from 128 entrants. Mako finished 36th over the line and 6th in their division. Well, done Emily!

1996

Amanda Honour, Kate Gibson, Eliza Cole & Jodie Roberts (nee Hulme)

Calling the St Margaret’s Seniors of ‘96!  

It is 30 years since we were last all together at St. Margaret’s!  We are extremely happy have have an excuse to be back in touch, and to let you know that this July we will be coming together at St. Margaret’s for our 30 year reunion!  

Saturday, 25 July 2026 is the date. Please mark your diaries, and get ready for a night of reminiscing, memories, and stories. 

There is a link to register here: https://paststudents.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/events/view/st-margaret-s-reunion-weekend-2026-save-the-date   

We are excited to see as many of you as possible there! 

Amanda, Kate, Eliza and Jodie

1976
Lynn Grantham (nee Stuart), Doune Macdonald & Judy Neilson

Dear St Margaret's Class of '76

Having exchanged emails with quite a few of you now, we are all finding it hard to believe that it is 50 years since we left school. In many ways it seems like only yesterday. The hat is a bit different and the beret has gone, but otherwise the uniform is almost the same.

So much has happened in the last 50 years, it would be great to touch base with old friends, reminisce and laugh. Thank you to many of you who have already helped reach out to friends to get email details for nearly thirty of our class. 

There will be two functions – a gathering at St Margaret's on Saturday afternoon 25^th July from 3pm to 6pm and then a private after-party for everyone to follow. We are hoping you can join us for one or both of these events.

Kind regards

Lynn, Doune and Judy

1966

Susan Jarmer (nee Gilmour), Lee Beanland (nee Crust), and Norma Tucker (neeWight)

Dear St Margaret’s 1966 classmates,

None of us can really believe it is 60 years for girls who left school after Senior and 62 years for girls who left after Junior. It is amazing – the hat is a little different but otherwise the uniform is almost the same. When we see St Margaret’s girls today, we hope that they are enjoying their years at school, learning to embrace the lifetime learning that our teachers encouraged and making friends that will be there for them throughout their lives.

So much has happened to us since we left school - happy and sad, planned and unexpected.  We’ve shared our stories at reunions along the way and now it’s our 60th. We’re really looking forward to this reunion.  We do hope you will be able to come along, celebrate and reminisce over the weekend of 25th and 26th July.

Your reunion coordinators,

Susan Jarmer (nee Gilmour) m. 0419723244, Lee Beanland (nee Crust) m. 0419669304 and Norma Tucker (nee Wight) m. 0450971385.