Giving Day 2026: Old Girls Ignite Passion and Inspire Performance

It was particularly heartening to see so many Old Girls supporting the next generation through gifts to the Panama Fund and the Building Fund, helping ensure every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Whether contributing to needs-based bursaries through the Panama Fund or helping to bring the new Performing Arts Precinct to life, Old Girls demonstrated the enduring spirit of generosity that connects generations of St Margaret's women. Together, our community of past students, parents, current students, staff and volunteers made 556 donations, raising more than $700,000 in support of these important priorities.

This year's Giving Day was made even more special by a significant milestone in the life of the school. After years of planning and anticipation, the first sod was officially turned for the new Performing Arts Precinct, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for music, drama and creative expression at St Margaret's.

The Turning of the Soil ceremony was officiated by Chair of School Council Lisa Worner, Principal Ros Curtis AM, Chair of Foundation Mikaeli Costello and School Chaplain Reverend Jazz Dow. They were joined by special guests including Chair of the Master Planning Working Group Callum Bothwell, members of the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA), Sister Gillian, Reverend Sister Jan Crombie and Reverend Sister Gillian Moses, representatives from Blight Rayner Architects, Gaskell Planning Consultants and Kane Constructions, along with staff, student leaders, donors and supporters of the Arts Precinct Capital Campaign.

Designed as a purpose-built home for music and drama, the Performing Arts Precinct will inspire creativity, confidence and collaboration for generations of students to come. It will provide girls with the space to discover their talents, find their voice and experience the transformative power of the arts.

To everyone who supported Giving Day 2026, thank you. Your generosity is creating opportunities today while investing in the future of St Margaret's. Because of your support, students will continue to develop the confidence to step onto whatever stage they choose, both at school and beyond.

Thank you for remaining such an important part of the St Margaret's story and for helping shape the journeys of the girls who follow in your footsteps.

Per Volar Sunata

By Lara Pickering

Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement

If you would like to learn more about our giving programs or the Arts Precinct Capital Campaign, please contact the Development and Community Office on (07) 3862 0884 or email foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.