eNews Archive Issue 30 - 8 October 2026

We start the term with some significant events. The first is the leadership induction for our 2027 leaders. In my address to them at the assembly I spoke about two very important attributes for effective leadership – empathy (that is, putting yourself in the shoes of others and trying to understand how others would be feeling) and confident humility (that is, understanding that you don’t have all the answers, that you need to seek out other people’s opinions and that you accept your own limitations). Of course, confident humility relates to empathy. It is about having the confidence to draw upon the ideas of others and not see this action as a challenge to a leader’s own initiatives and authority.

Our current Year 11s are ready to step into the shoes of our graduating Year 12s. My wish for them is when they reflect on their year of leadership at the end of 2027, they have felt that they have been effective contributors and role models.

As part of the celebration of our graduating Year 12s, we start the end of year/valedictory events. This week we have the Sports Awards Dinner and the Music Dinner.

Our Year 12 parents particularly may be interested in the following opportunity as your daughter's journey at St Margaret's draws to a close.

We invite you to leave a legacy by taking a seat in the Blackbox Theatre within the new Performing Arts Precinct. A personalised seat plaque is a unique way to celebrate your daughter’s time at the school and leave a permanent reminder, while supporting future generations of students as they find their voice, confidence, and creativity on stage. To 'Take a Seat' or to find out more about this opportunity, please visit https://takeaseat.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/site/home or email Foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

Of course, this opportunity to ‘Take a seat’ is open to all members of the community, not just the departing Year 12 families.

Ros Curtis

While technology provides valuable opportunities to support learning, it cannot fully replicate the experience of learning alongside a skilled teacher and classmates. A lesson is not simply a collection of notes or activities to be completed. Much of the learning occurs through the conversations, explanations, examples, questions and interactions that happen in the moment.

Regular attendance also supports important habits for life. Showing up consistently helps students develop routine, responsibility, organisation and perseverance. Just as importantly, being at school strengthens relationships and a sense of belonging. Students are part of a community, and regular participation allows them to remain connected to their peers, teachers, co-curricular activities and the broader life of the school.

Of course, there will always be legitimate reasons for absence, particularly illness and significant family circumstances. However, wherever possible, I encourage families to prioritise school attendance and to avoid unnecessary absences during term time.

Nicole Devlin

The beginning of Term 4, and the Advent/Christmas season, despite their busyness, are always a reminder of the power of noticing, slowing down and gaining perspective. This seems counter intuitive in such a busy season of school and community life; however, the essence of this season is about receiving the gift of God’s love, and noticing it, and sharing it with the world around us. It is a rich time of connection and community and is a reminder of the many gifts and opportunities that we have access to. So, as we move into the final sprint of the school year, we are called to balance the busyness with the gift of community, connection and care. Making space to receive and give God’s grace to one another.

One way to nurture this balance is to lean into our school theme and foster gratitude. When things are overwhelming, gratitude gifts us perspective, allowing us an overview effect whereby we are able to zoom out and view our lives from the perspective of gift rather than the current to do list.

The Overview Effect

"The term for the psychological impact of flying into space and viewing the Earth as a simple dot is called the “Overview Effect”, and it was coined by author Frank White in his book of the same name in 1987. White defined it as “a profound reaction to viewing the Earth from outside its atmosphere”.

The Overview Effect turns astronauts into “evangelists, preaching the gospel of orbit” as they return from space with a renewed faith or on a quest for wisdom. For some it’s a kind of lingering euphoria that results in a permanent change of perspective.”

- Julia Baird, Awe, wonder and the overview effect: how feeling small gives us much-needed perspective

As we venture this term together, I am grateful for you – our St Margaret’s Community.

Rev’d Jazz Dow

Over the holidays, the St Margaret’s Campdraft Team competed at the annual High Schools Campdraft, hosted and led by the fantastic leadership of the St Margaret’s Committee who pulled together such a wonderful event for our students and those from other schools. Well done to all of our boarders who competed and showcased their skills – we are all very proud of you and your efforts leading up to the competition.

This term is the final term of boarding for our Year 12 students who are slowly coming to the end of their schooling and boarding journey. We have many things to look forward to, including Speech Night, Valedictory Dinner, the Year 12 Boarder Farewell Dinner, and many more events celebrating these fantastic young women. I am so proud of each and every one of our graduating Year 12 boarders and look forward to sharing this final term with them.

For the rest of the boarding house, Term 4 will be full of excitement as we work towards the Christmas holidays. Let the countdown begin!

Lesa Craven

Prize Reading Assembly

This week we acknowledged students at the Prize Reading Assembly. As part of this assembly, we announced academic awards for 2026. Please find below details of how awards are determined.

Determination of Honours Awards

Honours awards are given for excellent academic achievement based on results from Terms 1, 2 and 3 of a given year. In Years 5-10, students who achieve a Grade Point Average of 13 or above with no overall result lower than a B-, will receive an Honours award. The GPA is calculated by weighting assessed subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated in the week. In Years 11 and 12, Honours awards are based on the grades awarded using the provisional subject results for the internal summative assessments in each subject. The Years 11 and 12 Honours are calculated using the results of the students’ top 5 subjects.

Determination of Commendation Awards

In Years 5 to 12, Commendation Awards are given in recognition of excellent engagement in learning. They are based on the level of application demonstrated in class and at home, as well as the attitude displayed in all subjects. The ‘Attitude to Learning’ result is recorded on the report card as a four-point scale that provides evidence for engagement in learning. To receive a Commendation Award, a student (from Years 5 to 12) must achieve an average ‘Attitude to Learning’ score of 3.9 or higher across Terms 1, 2 and 3. The average ‘Attitude to Learning’ score is calculated by weighting subjects relative to the number of curriculum hours allocated in the week. Students who receive an Honours Award are not eligible for a Commendation Award.

Determination of Year 10 Subject Prizes

A subject prize is awarded to a Year 10 student who receives the highest subject result based on three terms of work. If more than one student receives the highest subject result, the decision is made by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the year level teachers, to review the collection of assessment and make a judgement based on the quality of the assessment folio to deem who should receive the prize. To receive a subject prize all applicable assessments must be completed. In the case of school-approved absences causing missed assessment, the Dean of Academics will make a final decision. Students who attend the Global Exchange Program will be eligible for all academic prizes regardless of missing assessments due to their exchange.

Determination of Internal Year 12 Subject Prizes

A Year 12 Internal Assessment Subject Prize is awarded at Speech Night to the student who receives the highest provisional subject result based on the internal assessments. Note that percentage results are used in determining these awards for the Maths and Science Subjects. If more than one student receives the highest internal subject result from Unit 3 and 4, the cumulative result from Unit 1 and 2 in that subject will be used to determine the prize winner. To receive a subject prize all internal assessments must be completed.

Determination of the Internal Assessment Dux of the School and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School

The Internal Assessment Dux of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School will be awarded at Speech Night. This award is presented to the student in Year 12 who has attained the highest internal assessment subject results across 5 subjects. The Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School is awarded to the student who has attained the next highest internal assessment subject results in that Year 12 cohort. The determination of these awards is based on students’ subject results at the completion of the summative internal assessment period for Unit 3 and 4. This subject result will be calculated by adding together the three internal assessment results for 5 subject results. To be considered for the awards, students must complete all three assessments for five subjects. Subjects are not weighted. In order to distinguish candidates for the final award results from Unit 1 and 2 may be considered. If it is not possible to distinguish between two students both shall be awarded the Internal Assessment Dux or Proxime Accessit to the Dux prize. The decision as to the Internal Assessment Dux and the Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School shall remain confidential until the presentation at Speech Night.

Caitlin McCluskey

A reminder that SSS operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents do have the option of purchasing dinner ($14.50) for their daughters from the boarding house at the time of booking. Bookings close at 9:00am on the day, unless the maximum number (25) is reached prior to this point, so I do recommend parents book in early to avoid missing out.

The purpose of these sessions is to provide girls with a quiet and well-resourced space that is conducive to productive homework and study time. Each SSS will be staffed by up to two tutors, who offer advice and guidance on how to plan effectively for upcoming assessments. The SSS tutor group is made up of ten young women who are currently studying at university and have much to offer our girls in the way of study skills.

For students attending SSS after an afternoon of sport, transport is available to and from Windsor Park. For those staying on after school to attend SSS, the Eunice Centre is open until 5pm prior to the commencement of the study sessions.

Chris Dunn

Sony Camp

On the first weekend of the September holidays, Year 11 St Margaret’s and Years 11/12 Churchie students amalgamated to prepare for the annual Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. The camp saw 27 St Margaret’s students wholeheartedly dedicate their time to become the primary carers (companions) for approximately thirteen female intellectually and physically impaired children. The school also provided eight helpers who prepared and served food and cleaned up and one media student who took photos over the three days for over 100 people.

Since 1999, the Camp Program has given Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to care for a child with special needs over a four-day period in what is a unique and life-changing experience for all involved. Each camp is provided free of charge for the participants and the majority of the camps run in the September and December school holidays.

The students, supported by a team of dedicated teaching and medical staff, are responsible for the care of these children twenty-four hours a day over the course of the Camp. They quickly learn about the challenges and demands involved in caring for a child with special needs. Not only do the students have an enriching experience, but the children are treated to a weekend full of activities and interactions they would not normally have the opportunity to experience. The Camps also provide much needed respite for parents, siblings and primary carers in what may be their only break of the year.

The eager guests arrived on Saturday morning and their grateful families handed a challenging responsibility over to the students. In return, the parents received beautiful gift packs, which were donated and prepared by the generous St Margaret’s community. A range of activities were available throughout the camp, including swimming, art activities, a disco and a trip to Movie World.

Through great acts of devotion, persistence and responsibility, each companion and helper ensured that their guest’s experience was one that they would never forget. When the students relinquished the responsibility of their guest back to the parents, it was clear that the students’ contribution to the camp had made a significant impact on not only the children, but their inspirational parents, many of whom were able to take a well-deserved break. The camp deeply broadens students’ understanding of the realities and complexities of life as they carefully consider the lives of those living with a disability and the impacts this can have on their families. It must also be noted that our St Margaret’s Year 11 students attended lunch time workshops prior to the camp learning how to assist high needs children under the guidance of staff members. A big thank you to Nikki Anderson , Kate Montgomery, and Katie Flanagan who assisted with coordination of this camp.

Nikki Townsend

In addition to Speech Night, each year level will be involved in a celebration. These celebrations are an acknowledgement of the significant learning that occurs for each particular year level and provides an opportunity for the students to share their talents with the audience. Families and friends are invited to each of these celebrations. So, open your diaries and pencil in the dates relevant to your family.

Year 3 – Celebration of Learning – 17 November 9.30am – 10:30am

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 4 – Celebration of Learning – 17 November 11.30am – 12:30pm

Students share their key learning experiences and perform with their string instrument. The students are presented with their Key to Success Certificate that identifies their learning achievements.

Year 5 – Celebration of Learning – 18 November 9.30am – 11am

Each class shares their significant learning experience and musical skills as part of the Year 5 band.

Prep – Year 2 Nativity Play and Book Presentation – 20 November 12pm – 1:30pm

Prep students retell the birth of Christ through performance and song.  The Years 1 and 2 students provide an angelic choir. Each student will cross the stage and receive a book as acknowledgement of their school year.

Year 6 – Final Chapel Service, Presentation and Morning Tea
– 23 November 9.30am – 11:30am

This service celebrates the journey of our Year 6 students so far as they prepare to move to the secondary school.  Parents are invited to attend the Service with the girls, followed by morning tea.  Students will present a performance, highlighting their primary years at St Margaret’s.
NB. Look out for the Year 6 End of Year Final Weeks Booklet coming soon!

Prep – Year 6 - Acknowledgement Assembly – 24 November 11.00am – 12pm

We present special prizes to Year 5 and 6 students and acknowledge the successes achieved throughout the year.  We share with all members of the Primary School Community.

Pre Prep Chapel Service – 25 November 9.30am – 10:30am

Chapel service to celebrate this significant year of learning.

I look forward to joining parents and families at these upcoming celebratory events.

Year 5 Scholarship Application for Year 7 (2028)

‘Per Volar Sunata’ Academic Scholarship applications are now open for students who will be in Year 6 in 2027. The ‘Per Volar Sunata’ Academic Scholarship is an academic scholarship awarded to a Year 6 St Margaret’s student moving into Year 7.

To apply:

• Complete the Per Volar Sunata application form which can be downloaded on the school’s website here: Scholarships and Bursaries – St Margaret’s
• Apply for the scholarship test by completing the ACER Online Registration here: ACER Scholarships
• Sit the ACER exam on Saturday 27 February 2027

Applications must be submitted by, and the ACER registration completed by, 11pm on Sunday 7 February 2027.

Angela Drysdale

We are delighted to recognise the students who achieved High Distinction (top 1%) and Distinction (next 10%) results in this year’s assessments. Their achievements reflect both strong academic capability and a willingness to embrace challenge.

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding results:

English
Year 3: Distinction – Charlotte W, Hannah L, Molly S
Year 4: Distinction – Margot A, Paloma C
Year 5: Distinction – Chloe D, Isabella Z
Year 6: High Distinction – Helena W, Penelope W; Distinction – Elsa G, Maxine L

Writing
Year 3: High Distinction – Yoonseo N; Distinction – Lexington M, Molly S
Year 4: High Distinction – Paloma C
Year 5: Distinction – Isabella Z
Year 6: Distinction – Elsa G

Mathematics
Year 3: Distinction – Hannah L, Yoonseo N
Year 5: Distinction – Chloe D, Isabella Z
Year 6: Distinction – Paris F, Helena W, Penelope W

Science
Year 3: Distinction – Hannah L, Yoonseo N
Year 4: High Distinction – Margot A
Year 5: Distinction – Isabella Z, Isla W
Year 6: High Distinction – Elsa G; Distinction – Penelope W, Helena W

Students who achieved a High Distinction or Distinction will receive their certificates at this year’s Acknowledgement Assembly in Week 8. All other students who participated will receive their certificates in class. Student results can be accessed using the TAP-ID and PIN emailed to parents. If you did not receive these details, please contact Mrs Frewin.

We commend every student who participated in ICAS this year. Taking part in these rigorous assessments requires confidence, persistence and a readiness to extend learning beyond the classroom. Congratulations to all students on their effort and achievement.

Kate Frewin

Auditions for 2027 Music Ensembles 

Auditions for 2027 Secondary Music Ensembles will be held in Week 3 of Term 4 with audition excerpts available via the respective POD pages (Strings/Bands/Choral) and in SHOR. Sign-up sheets are also available in SHOR. Audition times are as follows:

Monday 19 October

7:00 – 8:20am Primary String Auditions, Year 4 and 5 in SHOR

3:30-5:00pm Volare Auditions, SHOR

Tuesday 20 October

7:00 – 8:20am Primary String Auditions, Year 2, 3 and 6 in SHOR

10:25-10:50am Secondary String Auditions, SHOR

1:05-1:50pm Secondary String Auditions, SHOR

3:30-4:30pm Primary Chorale Get-to-know-your-voice Session, Primary Music Room

3:30 - 5:30pm Secondary String Auditions, SHOR

3:30 - 5:30pm Rock Band Auditions for Vocals (current Year 9-11), guitar, bass guitar and keyboard, DM01 (Rock Band Room)

Wednesday 21 October

7:00 - 8:15am Band Auditions for current Primary students, SHOR

7:15 - 8:15am Stage Band Auditions (all instruments) for 2026 Secondary students, J101/102

1:10 - 1:50pm Rock Band Auditions for Drum Kit (Secondary), SHOR Percussion Room

3:30 - 4:30pm Highly Strung Auditions (Primary) for guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drumkit, DM01 (Rock Band Room)

3:30 – 5:00pm Band Auditions for Percussion, SHOR Percussion Room

3:30 - 5:30pm Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Secondary students), SHOR/J101/102

Thursday 22 October

7:00 - 8:15am Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (Primary and Secondary), SHOR

3:30 - 5:30pm Exultate Auditions, SHOR

Update to Ensemble Structure For 2027 String Ensembles 

As we move toward auditions for 2027 Music ensembles, we would like to inform you of a change to string ensembles that will occur once the new ensembles commence in Week 4, Term 4. Stradivari Strings (for secondary students up to approx. Grade 5 AMEB level) will rehearse Tuesday afternoons at their regular time of 3:30-4:30pm in SHOR. Students who are in Chamber Strings (approx. Grade 6 AMEB and above) will no longer be required to attend the Stradivari Strings rehearsal. Chamber Strings will have a new rehearsal time of Monday 3:30-5:00pm, and Sculthorpe String Quartet will have a new rehearsal time of Monday morning 7:15-8:15am.

Message from the Music Support Group 

The next Music Support Group meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Tuesday 27 October in the Circular Drive Classroom 01 (in front of the Arts Centre Foyer). Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend. Please also join the Music Parents Support Group POD page to stay updated on all things Music Support, including the upcoming 2027 Musical volunteering - Beauty & The Beast: https://pod.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/homepage/8562

Brad King

In more athletics news, over the holidays several students competed in the All Schools Athletics Championships again at QSAC. The following students placed in the top three in their respective events:

Ash Blackman U18 High Jump - 1^st

Erin Grimshaw U17 100m - 2^nd, 200m - 1^st, 100m Hurdles - 1^st

Evie Prosser U15 200m Hurdles - 3^rd

Also, during the holidays, some of our St Margaret’s Rowers made the journey to the State Championships in Rockhampton. St Margaret’s rowers achieved some great results including:

St Margaret's Year 10 Coxed Four- Silver
Isabel D, Olivia R, Indya D, Audrina S, Cox: Lucinda S

St Margaret's Year 9 Coxed Quad- Silver
Elkie W, Chloe D, Piper C, Rosanna R, Cox: Carys G

St Margaret's Year 8 Quad- Silver
Frankie R, Bonnie Evans, Arabella B, Annabel C, Cox: Florence L

St Margaret's Open Pair- Bronze
Sophie W, Matilda B

St Margaret's Year 11 Quad- Silver
Jane M, Zara J, Harriet C, Madeline P, Cox: Isabella B

St Margaret's Year 9 Single Scull- Bronze 
Elkie W

All Schools Water Polo also took place during the holidays, with St Margaret’s being represented across the three available divisions. The results for these teams are as follows:

Junior Schools Team – 4^th Place

Middle Schools Team – 14^th Place

Open Schools Team – 5^th Place

Water Polo season officially commences this weekend and with 24 teams competing, there will be plenty of Maggies to support. Please note that for teams playing at St Margaret’s on Saturdays, the Canopy Café will be open in the mornings for coffee and snacks! And of course, the BBQ will be running throughout the season, thanks to the Water Polo parents support group and other sport parent support groups in the sports precinct.

This week, students and staff are celebrating excellence both on and off the field at the annual Sports Awards evening. During the Prize Giving Assembly on the first day of term, we announced the winners of the special sporting awards. The winners of these awards were presented to the school community in recognition of their sporting journeys in 2026. The winners of the perpetual awards can be viewed here. (PDF 43KB) 

These students as well as many others who competed during Summer, Autumn, Winter seasons as well as core sports and representative award winners will receive recognition during the Sports Awards evening. The sports office is looking forward to sharing this experience with families and friends, staff and coaches at this event.

Over the next two weekends, St Margaret’s Badminton players will compete in the Junior and Senior Badminton Championships which will be held in school venues across Brisbane, and we look forward to seeing some great results.

For students looking to continue being active this term outside of the team sports being offered, please consider attending strength and conditioning sessions at school. More sessions have been made available this term for students to join with testing and group programs available for all levels of students. Students can also join Run Club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings before school. For more information, please go to the Strength and Conditioning POD page and Cross-Country POD pages for session times.

For the latest sport news and information please check out the following Secondary School Sport POD Pages:

• The POD - Secondary Badminton
• The POD - Club Water Polo
• The POD - Secondary AFL
• The POD - Secondary Swimming
• The POD - Strength & Conditioning
• The POD - Secondary Cross Country

Anne Louise Williams

Public Holidays Closed

Church Dress Hire for Speech Night – Prize Recipients

Hiring of the Church Dress for all Speech Night Prize Recipients has now commenced. Church Dress hire forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian and the hire form is available here on the POD and must be presented at the time of outfitting. A Deposit holding fee of $115 is payable for the hire of the Church Dress and upon return (as per conditions listed on the hire form) a refund of $70 will be given. Plain white fold down ankle socks (not St Margaret’s competition socks), brown school shoes and a white ribbon are to be worn with the dress.

Blazer Fittings – Current Year 6 cohort

Students in Year 6, should consider coming into the Supplies Shop to be fitted for their blazer prior to the end of Term 4, 2026. Orders for Year 7, 2027 will need to be placed by 14 November 2026 for a March 2027 delivery. Students can visit the Supplies Shop during opening hours (no appointment required). A blazer fitting takes around 15 minutes. The cost of the blazer is $275.

Important Notice: Middy Top & Middy Skirt Size Label Changes

Please note that the size labels for the Middy Tops and Middy Skirts are changing. When ordering through FlexiSchools, please refer to the guide below for size conversion.

• Current Size 26G -new label size 8G (girls sizing)
• Current Size 28G -new label size 10G (girls sizing)
• Current Size 30G-new label size 12G (girls sizing)
• Current Size G8 -new label size W4 (women’s sizing)
• Current Size G10-new label size W6 (women’s sizing)

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Supplies Shop.

Online Booking for Uniform Fitting Appointments

The Supplies Shop has an online booking system for uniform fitting appointments. Appointments can be made by clicking on this link Accuity Uniform Booking.

**EXTENDED TRADING HOURS**

2026

Friday 27 November     9 am to 2 pm

Mon 30 Nov to 4 Dec   Open for Appointments Only

Mon 7 Dec to 11 Dec   Open for Appointments Only

2027

Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Wednesday 13 January             8 am – 2 pm

Thursday 14 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 15 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Monday 18 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 19 January                   8 am – 2 pm

Wednesday 20 January             1 pm – 6 pm

Thursday 21 January                 8 am – 2 pm

Friday 22 January                      8 am – 2 pm

Saturday 23 January                  9 am – 3 pm

Sunday 24 January                    CLOSED

Monday 25 January                   1 pm – 3 pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Tuesday 26 January                   2 pm – 4 pm – BOARDERS ONLY

Wednesday 27 January        Regular Term Time trading hours resume

Construction update

Exciting progress is now visible on campus, with piling works officially underway for the new Performing Arts Precinct. This important milestone marks the beginning of construction of a facility that will inspire creativity, confidence, and performance for generations of St Margaret's students.

To see the project taking shape, watch our latest site update video here.

Take a Seat Appeal

Many of you have already helped shape the future of performing arts at St Margaret's and secured a meaningful acknowledgement opportunity within the Precinct.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and wanted to keep you informed as the project and campaign progresses.

Our Take a Seat Appeal for the Blackbox Theatre is now live and we invite members of the wider St Margaret's community to become part of this transformational project.

Through this initiative, supporters will have the opportunity to leave their own lasting legacy within the Blackbox Theatre through naming one (or more) of 98 seats while helping us bring this exciting new space to life. For your interest, the seating map can be viewed via this link.

We look forward to continuing this journey together as the Precinct takes shape and moves closer to welcoming its first students and audiences.

Thank you again to those of you who have already supported this campaign. It is an investment in student potential, enhanced cognitive capacity, and in the social and emotional wellbeing of our young women.

If you would like more information about this project or to speak with someone about your donation, please me on (07) 3862 0884 or email foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Your invitation to PWN featuring Chelsey Drake, Chair of Allens

Few people get to observe change from quite so many vantage points as Chelsey Drake, Chair of Allens. From the deal room to the boardroom, from graduate lawyer to Chair, Chelsey has spent three decades watching organisations respond to the forces reshaping Australian business.

When Chelsey joined Allens in Brisbane in 1996, she joined Australia's oldest law firm. Founded in 1822, before Queensland even existed, Allens had already weathered generations of economic, technological and social change.

The decades that followed would transform the Australian business landscape once again. Through her work at Allens and as a member of the Australian Government's Takeovers Panel since 2016, Chelsey has had a front-row seat to organisations navigating growth, consolidation, globalisation and technological disruption.

Today, she is helping shape what comes next and is focused on a challenge confronting organisations everywhere: how to keep adapting while creating environments where talented people can build careers that last.

Drawing on lessons from one of Australia's oldest continuing businesses, Chelsey will reflect on what changes, what endures, and why some organisations continue to earn trust and relevance through generations of disruption while others struggle to keep pace.

Date:                   Thursday 29 October
Time:                   6:45am arrival for 7:00am-8:45am 
Venue:                Arts Centre Foyer, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
Format:              Sit down breakfast with grab and go barista coffee on arrival 
Tickets:              $90 adults, $55 students (Years 10 to 12/tertiary)
Corporate tables: $850 (10 seats), includes company logo displayed on table and acknowledgement during event. 

To purchase tickets or a corporate table:Click Here

We thank our series sponsors, Major Sponsor: Pitcher Partners. Associate Sponsor: Wolff Coffee Roasters, Supporting Sponsors: Clear Insurance, Resource Innovations, and The Bathhouse Albion.

Calling all Old Girls! Are you interested in joining the Old Girls' Association Committee? Join us for our 2026 AGM and Volunteer Thank You Celebration!

We are pleased to extend an invitation to you to attend the Old Girls' Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Volunteer Thank You Celebration on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

At our final meeting of the year, you will have an opportunity to hear updates from the OGA and join our dynamic OGA Committee. After the meeting, join us in saying thank you to our volunteers over light refreshments.

Please find meeting details below:

OGA AGM and Volunteer Thank You Celebration
Date:     Tuesday 3 November 2026
Time:     6.30pm – 7.00pm AGM
               7.00pm - 8.00pm - Light Refreshments  
Venue:  St Margart’s Anglican Girls School
               11 Petrie Street, Ascot QLD 4007

RSVP:     Friday 31 October 2025 via this link. 

We understand that many of our Old Girls are not based in Brisbane. Old Girls' who live outside of Brisbane are encouraged to attend the meeting and volunteer through the OGA. If you are based outside of Brisbane you can join the meeting remotely.

Being a member of the OGA Committee involves attendance at four meetings a year (online or in person), assisting with events including Reunion Weekend, Old Girls' Day and the Past Student Awards, and contributing articles for the OGA Newsletter. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please complete and return this nomination form prior to or at the meeting.

Lara Pickering