On Tuesday 10 October, the St Margaret’s community of students, staff and parents gathered at QPAC’s Concert Hall to recognise the achievements of students and enjoy stunning musical performances at the 126th Speech Night and Prize Giving Ceremony.

St Margaret’s Old Girl Dr Sally Magoffin (’14) gave an honest, humorous, and inspiring address, sharing the values instilled in her at school as a boarder that have carried her through her journey to becoming a surgeon.

“The lessons of perseverance, hard work and determination that I learned during my time at St Margaret’s helped me through these years, and I have often reflected on how grateful I am to have received the education that I did at St Margaret’s.

“It is not only the wonderful education that you receive at St Margaret’s that will help you through life, but it is also the values of courage, determination and a never say die attitude that will get you through,” Sally said.

Sally also highlighted the importance of enduring school friendships.

“Cherish the friendships that you’ve made here at St Margaret’s. These girls will be your sisters for years beyond school and you will share so many special memories throughout life together. Friends for life. Just one of the gifts you get from being a Maggies girl,” she said.

She concluded with these words of advice to the graduating 2023 cohort: “Remember that, in life, we are not defined by how we handle success, but rather, how we respond to our failures and move forward in difficult times.

“Even when the odds seem stacked against you, keep in mind that the only person who can really stop you from achieving what you want to achieve is you.

“Every single one of you sitting here tonight is intelligent, capable and a force to be reckoned with.

“You are the underdog, and even though the journey may not end up looking like what you had envisaged, if you are determined enough, you will reach your destination in the end.”

Speech Night was livestreamed and recorded and the complete video recording of the evening is available to view online here: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/speech-night-live-stream