St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School

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St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Location
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
Ascot , Queensland Australia
Coordinates	27°25′48″S 153°2′57″E / 27.43000°S 153.04917°E / -27.43000; 153.04917Coordinates: 27°25′48″S 153°2′57″E / 27.43000°S 153.04917°E / -27.43000; 153.04917
Information
Type	Independent, day & boarding
Motto	Per Volar Sunata (Born To Fly Upwards) Dante Purgatorio XII 94-96
Denomination	Anglican
Established	1895
Principal	Ros Curtis
Grades	P–12
Gender	Girls
Enrolment	~810
Colour(s)	Navy, white and brown
Website	www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au

St Margaret's Anglican Girls School is a private, Anglican, day and boarding school for girls. The school is located in Ascot, an inner-northern suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. St Margaret's ranks among Queensland's top schools.

The school was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.^[1] It has a non-selective enrolment policy and currently caters for approximately 1175 students from Pre-Preparatory to Year 12,^[2] including 185 boarders from Years 5 to 12.^[3] St Margaret's has eight Houses: Chaucer, Bede, Herrick, Kendall, Tennyson, Milton, Spenser and Lawson.

St Margaret's is affiliated with the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA),^[4] the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA),^[5] the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA),^[3] the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia (AGSA),^[6] and is a founding member of the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA).^[7]

History[]

In 1895, The Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent opened a boarding School for girls at Nundah, in a former boys’ school, Eton High School.^[8][9] The school was on land bounded by Bishop Street, Buckland Road, Wand Street and Olive Street.^[10] Sister Emma was the Sister-in-Charge and Isabelle Caine was the Headmistress. In 1907, the School moved to Toorak House in Hamilton, Juliet Lyon (1907–1917) replaced Caine and the School roll had grown to 35 pupils.

As well as the usual lessons, students participated in tennis, rowing, basketball and swimming. Three years later the School moved again to Albion Heights. Its new home was Donatello, built in the 1880s for Patrick Durack. It was renamed St Margaret’s House and the School’s name changed to the Church of England High School. Two years later the School became known as St Margaret’s Church of England Girls’ School and has remained on this site ever since. Donatello is still in use today as Community House for the Sisters.

By 1910 there were 47 boarders and when The University of Queensland opened in 1911, two St Margaret’s girls were among its first students. Lyon resigned in 1917 and was the last lay Headmistress until 1978. It was during Lyon’s time that the School motto, Per Volar Sunata (Born to Fly Upwards), came into being and the distinctive middy uniform was introduced.

Under the leadership of Sister Teresa (1918–25) the School grew rapidly and the adjoining property, Avoca, was acquired in 1918 to provide extra accommodation. It was originally named Mooloomburram when it was built in 1886 by Andrew Petrie. By 1925, Sister Teresa had made St Margaret’s a leading school in Brisbane, with a good record of academic achievement. She introduced the House System, a student representative School Council and the innovative Dalton method of education. Sister Elisabeth (1925–1936) embarked on a building program which saw the construction of many of the buildings still standing today – West Wing with classrooms, dormitories and dining room; the Darnell Art and Music buildings and the swimming pool. These additions were made despite the difficult conditions of the Depression and exemplify the Sisters’ faith in the St Margaret’s of the future. Sister Bernadine (1937–1939) led the School through the difficult and unsettled pre-war years. Sister Mary (1940–1964) guided the School through the years of World War II and the profound changes to School life – closures, reduced enrolments, rationing and shortages.

After the War, a new assembly hall (Eton Hall), extra classrooms and dormitories in East Wing; a gymnasium; the School Chapel; Dalhousie classrooms and a boarders’ recreation block and library were erected. The School continued to grow under the leadership of both Sister Jean-Marie (1965–1970) and Sister Helen (1971–1977), maintaining the SSA’s traditional high standards of education and spiritual growth. The School celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1970 with the opening of Toorak and its library, staff room and science laboratories. In 1977 the Sisters took the decision to appoint a lay Headmistress, while still retaining ownership and guidance of the School. Margaret Kugleman (1978–1982) was followed by Evelyn Heath (1982–1993), Mary Hutchings (1993–1995) and Judith Hill(1995–1996). To accommodate the growing number of students and the diversity in curricular and extra-curricular activities during this time, the Avoca and Jackson Wings were built, providing both general and specialist classrooms.

A separate Primary School building, Chaseley Wing, opened in 1992, to accommodate growing Primary enrolments. Its name is an enduring reminder of the influence of Sister Chaseley Anne who was in charge of the Boarding House from 1979 to 1990.

In 1995, the school's centenary year, the Philip Harris Sports Centre was built to support an extensive range of sporting activities. It is supplemented by outdoor facilities at Windsor Park and a rowing centre at Breakfast Creek, enabling students to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. Cultural pursuits have always been an integral part of life at St Margaret’s. An art room and music block were among the first buildings constructed in the 1930s, thanks to a bequest from the estate of John Darnell, and in 2003 a new Arts Centre was built to further foster students’ creative talents in the visual and performing arts. This Arts Centre supports the school's visual and performing arts program with facilities including three art studios, pottery area, and a display gallery.

The Eunice Science and Resource Centre was opened in 2012, named aptly in recognition of Mother Eunice for her significant contribution and influence within the St Margaret's community.

In 2020, the school's 125th anniversary year, one third of the school's campus was transformed resulting in state-of-the-art new sports precinct. The world class facility incorporates a water polo sized heated swimming pool with two 50m lanes, tennis courts with lights, gymnasium with an oak sprung floor, a strength and conditioning gym, an indoor climbing wall featuring seven belay stations and 76m2 of climbing, a dedicated ergometer room to support rowing and modern health and physical education classrooms. The rebuilt gymnasium within the sports precinct took Philip Harris' name again and is called the Philip Harris Gym.

Academics[]

Curriculum[]

In the secondary school, girls in Years 7 and 8 study a wide range of subjects allowing them a broad experience across the disciplines. Students study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Religious and Values Education, Drama, Visual Art, Music, French or Mandarin, Science of Learning (Year 7) and Digital Technologies (Year 8).

Students in Years 9 and 10 choose from a large number of electives to aid their transition into senior studies. These electives supplement the compulsory subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education and Religious and Values Education and History.

In Years 11 and 12 students choose one of the following QCE pathways: Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) pathway or Portfolio Pathway.

Academic Advising Program[]

The school's award winning Academic Advising program enables students to focus on individual improvement, to personally evaluate results and to take responsibility and ownership of their learning. The timetabled academic advising periods provide dedicated time for students to interact with their advisors, either individually or within a group setting, to define goals relating to their data, monitor their progress and self-manage their learning.

Global Exchange Program[]

The school's Year 10 Global Exchange Program enables students to acquire and further develop new skills in problem solving, independent decision-making and social poise; expand cultural and ethnic awareness; enhance their passion for learning; and become exceptional ambassadors of the program overseas and in the St Margaret's community. There is a reciprocal hosting program with 11 schools in six countries across the globe:

• Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
• Crofton House School, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Saint-Nom-de-Marie, Montreal, Canada
• St Anne's Diocesan College, Hilton, South Africa
• Ursulinenschule, Bornheim, Germany
• Konan Girls High, Kobe, Japan
• Nga Tawa, Wellington Diocesan School for Girls, Marton, New Zealand
• Chatham Hall, Chatham, Virginia, USA
• Augusta Preparatory Day School, Martinez, Georgia, USA
• St Margaret's College, Christchurch, New Zealand – Rowing Exchange

In 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has implemented a Domestic Exchange program.

Recent results[]

In 2020, the St Margaret's Year 12 cohort 15.9% (14) of students achieve an ATAR of 99 or above, placing them in the top 1% of the state. 43.2% of St Margaret's students achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, placing them in the top 5% of the state. 62.5% (55) of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% of the state. Across four subjects, eight students received perfect scores of 100 out of 100. 100% of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Extracurricular activities[]

St Margaret's seeks to educate the whole child and develop their artistic, cultural, athletic and spiritual dimensions to help them grow into the best versions of themselves.

Clubs and Activities[]

St Margaret’s has a variety of thriving clubs and activities giving students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and to find their true interests and passions.

Clubs and activities include: Astronomy, Dance, Debating, Digital Art Club, Duke of Edinborough, School Musical, smART Club, Speech and Drama, Robotics Club, Primary Clubs and Activities, Enviro Committee.

Music[]

Extracurricular Music at St Margaret's offers students a broad range of opportunities through which they can experience music at a variety of levels. Students involve themselves in a number of music ensembles, including Choirs, String Orchestras, Concert Band, Rock Band, Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band, Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble and Highly Strung as well as many other smaller ensembles. Other music opportunities include performing at school events and at outside community functions, recording music, performing in the school musical, performing in eisteddfods and at festivals, and participating in school music tours, both domestic and international.

Sport[]

St Margaret's has a long history of sport with participation in sporting competition, health and physical education long playing an important role in delivering an holistic education.

Students are offered the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sporting activities through the interschool sporting competitions, Andrews Cup in Primary and QGSSSA (Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sporting Association) in Secondary.

Sports include: AFL, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football (soccer), Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo.

Students who excel in their competitive sports are encouraged and supported to pursue their talent at local, state and national competitions.^{[citation needed]}

Recent sporting achievements[]

• 2020: Aggregate Cup Winners at the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association Head of the River Rowing Regatta
• 2019: Aggregate Cup Winners at the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association Head of the River Rowing Regatta
• 2019: First VIII Head of the River Champions
• 2018: Aggregate Cup Winners at the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association Head of the River Rowing Regatta

Flyers Program[]

Outstanding athletes and performing artists can apply to become a part of the school's Flyers Program which can assist students to achieve both their academic and extracurricular goals through personalised learning.

School crest[]

The St Margaret’s crest or badge of blue and silver reflects school tradition. Blue represents devotion; silver, purity. In the top right corner of the badge is the Guild Cross, which reinforces the links with The Society of the Sacred Advent. The Anglican faith, on which the School is founded, is reflected in the Bishop's mitre in the lower left corner. A band symbolising strength and stability supports the initials of the school.^{[citation needed]}

Awards[]

Notable alumnae[]

• Sally Bain – author, television personality
• Bronte Barratt – Commonwealth and World Record Holder in Swimming^[11]
• Mel Buttle – comedian, television and radio presenter and writer
• Jennifer Byrne – Director of Biobanking, NSW Health Pathology and Professor of Molecular Oncology, The University of Sydney
• Margaret Cameron AM – academic librarian and ornithologist^[12]
• Keri Craig-Lee OAM – Fashion Designer and Retailer for the Keri Craig Label^[13]
• Annabelle Chaplain AM – Chairman Canstar Pty Ltd; non-executive director of San Francisco based Credible Labs Inc, Director of the Australian Ballet, former Chair of St Margaret's School Council (2011-2014)
• Desley Deacon – historian, biographer and academic
• Brittany Elmslie – Olympic gold medallist in swimming
• Rhyll Gardner – financial Consultant and Director
• Jasmine Garnsworthy - founder itsthebuff.com
• Marjorie Johnstone (née Mant)– co-founder of the Johnstone Art Gallery
• Sally Kehoe – Olympic finalist in rowing
• Professor Doune Macdonald – The University of Queensland, Pro-Vice-Chancellor
• Dame Patricia Mackinnon, DBE, CBE – musician; appointed a Dame of the Order of the British Empire for distinguished service in hospital administration
• Michelle May AM QC – former Judge of the Family Court of Australia, barrister
• Daphne Mayo – Sculptor
• Dr Deborah Mills – doctor, author and businesswoman
• Una Prentice; first woman to graduate from the Faculty of Law at the University of Queensland
• Dr Vanessa Ratten - Associate Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, LaTrobe University
• Emily Seebohm – Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in swimming
• Paula Spencer – Fairworks Commissioner for Queensland
• Ella Sheehan – founder of The Global Smile Project Charity
• Rosemond Siemon – author of best-seller, The Mayne Inheritance
• Dr Ros Taplin – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management in the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy at the University of London.
• Geraldine Turner OAM – actress
• Emma Jackson (triathlete)^[14]
• Isobel Roe- ABC journalist^[15]
• C J Hendry - artist
• Maddie Edmunds - Olympic rower
• Xenia Puskarz-Thomas - Opera singer

See also[]

• List of schools in Queensland
• List of boarding schools

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to St Margaret's Anglican Girls School.

• Official website
• Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent
• St. Joseph's Website