Each year, the school adopts a theme. This year it is ‘Flourishing’, and we have borrowed that idea from the Anglican Diocese who inspired us at the beginning of the year with an invitation to consider Flourishing Together – For Dignity. I encourage you to adopt this theme for yourself this year.

Congratulations to our graduates of 2022 and the newest Old Girls. Only 33 students across the State receive the top ATAR of 99.95. Two students from St Margaret’s were among them. Just over 62% of ATAR eligible students received an ATAR of 90 or above, which places them in the top 10% in the state.  Our median ATAR was 94.05. Our Pathways students graduated with a rich array of diplomas, certificates, and school-based traineeships. 100% of our students graduated with a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

At the Scholars’ Assembly earlier this year, where we celebrated those students who received an ATAR of 90 and above, I reminded them and current students of the famous quote from Nora Ephron, an American writer and film director, who addressed graduates of Wellesley College in 1996.

‘Be the heroine of your life, not the victim.’

It is one of my favourite quotes and great advice for young women just starting the post-school phase of their life.

In 2022, St Margaret’s cemented its reputation across Australia as a leading school receiving no fewer than eight awards or badges of recognition. They are awarded after a comprehensive application process, followed by short listing by panels of education experts across all sectors – government, catholic and independent schools. 

• The Educator 5 Star Employer of Choice
• The Educator 5 Star Innovative School
• The Educator Most Influential Educator (Ros Curtis)
• School Principal of the Year – Non-Government (Excellence Awardee)
• Boarding School of the Year (Excellence Awardee)
• Best Remote Learning Program (Excellence Awardee)
• Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government (Excellence Awardee)
• Teacher Hot List 2022 – Kerry Daud (Head of E-Learning, Research, Technology and Design)

Amongst all the incremental improvements last year in strengthening the St Margaret’s experience, two stand out. Firstly, the introduction and success of the past student mentoring program. Thank you to the past students who so willingly shared time and expertise. It is very much appreciated, and the students have benefitted greatly. Secondly, St Margaret’s developed its own ESG Framework. This can now be accessed on our website under the Discover St Margaret’s tab. We will use this framework to guide our work with the broader community and students. 

I believe the increase in enrolments is evidence that St Margaret’s has continued to deliver a quality education underpinned by a high quality of care. The start of the 2023 school year saw an enrolment of 1380 students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.

Beyond the classroom, St Margaret’s continues to pay attention to the aesthetics of the campus, creating an environment to enrich the student experience. This year we will begin work on The Forest and new cafeteria, which will benefit both primary and secondary students. Located in the Avoca Courtyard, The Forest will provide much needed shade and an increase in seating areas for our students. Raising funds for this project, which benefits all students, will be the focus of our Giving Day on Wednesday 24 May  this year. Below is the concept of how this area will be developed.

2023 promises to be another exciting year. I hope it is one where all members of the community can flourish.

Per Volar Sunata

Ros Curtis
Principal