Earlier this year, Lesa Fowler (Head of Boarding), Angela Crowe (Head of Junior House) and I were privileged to travel to the Torres Strait Islands with a group of our Torres Strait Islander students. This visit was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity to connect with the students’ heritages, explore their unique way of life, and deepen our understanding of the rich cultural landscape that shapes them.

Our students hail from diverse regions across Australia, and the Yalari scholarship program provides vital opportunities for Indigenous children from remote communities to receive quality education. However, to fully support their growth and development, it’s important for us as educators and caregivers to gain insight into their home environments and cultural backgrounds. By visiting the Torres Strait Islands, we could walk in the shoes of our students, seeing firsthand the beauty, strength, and challenges of island life.

During our visit, we were welcomed with open arms by the students’ families and communities, who generously shared their customs, traditions, and stories. From the vibrant dances and music that echo the history of the islands, to family recipes passed down from generation to generation and the deep connection with the land and sea, the experience allowed us to better understand the profound sense of identity that our students carry with them. We were in awe of their culture and how proud the students were sharing this with us.

One of the greatest benefits of this visit was the strengthened relationships formed between the staff, students, and their families. We gathered as a community, met with Old Girls of St Margaret’s and their families, met with their Elders and loved ones of their communities, learnt to fish through their clear coral waters, visited historic landscapes and travelled through the islands to visit the students’ homes and families. The trip fostered a deeper level of trust and communication between us. Knowing the student’s backgrounds on a personal level helps us provide more holistic support as they navigate life in boarding and in school. We can now better empathise with their transition from island life to school life, understanding the cultural significance they bring with them and how it can be honoured in their education and personal growth.

This journey also served as a learning experience for us. We were reminded of the importance of cultural sensitivity, respect, and the role we play in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Bringing these lessons back to St Margaret’s has enriched our boarding community and ensured that we are providing an even more nurturing space for the young women we care for.

The visit to the Torres Strait Islands has been an invaluable experience for all involved. It’s a testament to the strong bonds we continue to build with our First Nations students and their communities, helping us create a culturally rich and empathetic environment at St Margaret's. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share in this journey and look forward to continuing to foster these meaningful connections. We also extend our appreciation and thank you to the St Margaret’s families in the Torres Straits. We had a memorable trip, and it was considered a highlight for us all professionally and personally.

Gracemere Mataia

Head of Senior House – Boarding

Yumi Kaikai, Yumi Stories 

St Margaret’s is proud to share the publication of the third unique anthology authored by the school’s First Nations Students, Yumi Kaikai, Yumi Stories. Meaning Our Feasts, Our Stories, the title comes from the Creole language of the Torres Strait Islands and is a mixture of Meriam Mer and Kala Lagaw Ya languages. These anthologies are part of St Margaret’s commitment to Reconciliation, seeking to empower First Nations students through storytelling and finding their voice.

Yumi Kaikai, Yumi Stories is yet another example of our First Nations students continuing to share their stories with the wider school community, but also celebrates food as a cultural expression. Family and community recipes, and their meaning to the students, are shared within these pages as expressions of love, family, and culture.

Congratulations to Sofia ‘Wini’ Nona, the 2024 Yalari Valedictorian

Congratulations to Sofia ‘Wini’ Nona (’24), who was awarded Yalari’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian at the Brisbane Yalari Gala Dinner.

Throughout her time at St Margaret’s and within the Yalari Program, Wini has been an exceptional leader, this year leading the Boarding House as Boarder Captain. Her work with the St Margaret’s RAP Committee and her peers has been instrumental in fostering a culturally safe environment that celebrates First Nation peoples and cultures. We are excited to see what Wini will achieve in her post-school life.