Upon Ella and my induction as student leaders, we considered who we wanted to be as captains of the school, not just as leaders but as students. We started with considering what we loved most about St Margaret’s, which, by this point, had become a second home to us.
The beauty of the St Margaret’s community lies in its values, not because we are told or forced to embody them, but because it already exists within each student, from Year 7 to 12, waiting to be cultivated; courage, passion, respect, faith, integrity and spirit. These are our everyday at St Margaret’s, they in the Avoca hallways, within the Boarding House walls, the sporting fields, the classrooms, M’s Café, everywhere.
We began by considering our own St Margaret’s cohort, the wonderful girls who have shared with us in every high and low. As Year 12s, it becomes our responsibility to assume our position as role models for the community, from the uniforms we wear to the matter with which we speak and conduct ourselves. The Year 12s fell together naturally this year. From some of our most significant milestones to the most trying periods of our young lives, we did so as a cohort, a collective, a group with a common goal.
When our prefect body began brainstorming our theme for the year, we did so with an understanding and an appreciation for the close-knit group whom we, as prefects, represented. Our yearly theme, ‘Unite the Flight’ is in many respects an homage to our cohort and to past senior groups who have inspired a sense of pride through their unyielding friendship.
Ella and I are so lucky to come from a grade of such wonderful peers. Our fellow student leaders, who have inspired us to do better in our roles, to our classmates, and our friends. The sense of loyalty and unanimous experience that moved us to replicate this through the remainder of the student body. And we already had nearly 90 examples to help get us there.
We began with the small communities that exists within the school. During the day, we mostly remain segregated by grades, but it was through the small communities within the student body, where grades mingle. It was here that Ella and I watched the closeness of the Year 12s trickle through the remainder of the school. Within Ella and my own extra-curriculars we watched communities form. Though we can only talk about our own extra-curriculars, there’s been something quite spectacular in the close groups formed through this year. As students predominately involved in music, I think the musical was a prime example of this. A huge group of girls across all cohorts who join and form something in a matter of weeks. Girls weren’t left in cohorts, it was a community. And even where that community was separated into groups, it was a collective nonetheless.
We also believe that there is something special in creating unity within the whole school. When I joined St Margaret’s in Year 2, I was amazed by the bond between the staff, the students and the wider school community and I have been fortunate enough to see this continue to strengthen over the years. This has culminated with the school growing to over 1000 students this year and we have found further ways to develop this unity and continue to acknowledge the importance it plays throughout our school community. Events such as St Margaret’s Way Week, staff versus students sporting games, Valentine’s Day and sporting achievements were all times that allowed the school to come together and support each other. In particular, St Margaret’s Way Week was a chance for all girls and staff to recognise and celebrate the wonderful environment we have to thrive in. As part of Way Week this year, we launched an initiative known as the ribbon effect to emphasise the 3 key pillars of positivity and gratitude, appreciation and alignment and accountability. Each morning, we encouraged every girl and staff member to write on a piece of ribbon something that related to one of these key pillars. This may have been what they were grateful for that day or what they were doing to make sure everyone around them felt included at school. These ribbons were then tied to both the Primary and Secondary school fences as a long-lasting reminder of the importance of the School’s ethos and values.
The school would not be where it is today without the constant support of our wider school community. We cannot express our appreciation enough for the current and past parents and staff, old girls, grandparents, friends and families. We are fortunate enough to be continuing a long legacy and we are always inspired by the girls who have come before us, especially by those who are pursuing philanthropic, cultural, sporting and academic successes. Arguably, one of the largest annual events that demonstrates the pride our community has in the school is the Ponytail Project. American Indigenous rights leader Wilma Mankiller once said, “The most fulfilled people are those who get up every morning and stand for something larger than themselves”. Although this event is not a daily occurrence, this quote still encapsulates the feeling we both, and many others have felt throughout the year. The Ponytail Project is dedicated to a cause much bigger than any of us and yet it is something so close to all of our hearts. In the weeks leading up to and on the day, it was amazing to see so many members of our community stand for something larger than themselves, whether it was by making a donation, deciding to chop their hair, participating in crazy hair day or simply supporting their friends or daughters on the day. We were also humbled by the support we received from the staff with 5 of our wonderful teachers also cutting their hair. This event embodies all the best parts of our school and our venture to improve the lives of those in need and culminated in us raising a total of $96,743.
Finally, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has been part of St Margaret’s this year for allowing us the opportunity to lead such an incredible and unique community. We will greatly miss being a part of the school environment next year but are very much looking forward to continuing our involvement as the newest old girls. To the staff, we thank you for your guidance and undying support during our time at school, you have helped to shape us into the empowered and independent women we are today. To our parents, we cannot begin to express our gratitude for giving us the opportunity to be part of this community. You are our greatest role models; most fierce supporters and your unconditional love does not go unnoticed. To the current year 11s, we wish you every success next year and would encourage you to take every opportunity that comes your way. This year can be the best year of your life, but it is short and sweet so make the most it. To the graduating class, thank you. Thank you for supporting us as leaders in every venture we pursued and committing to this year with everything you had. You will never understand the pivotal role each and every one of you made in making this year the most unforgettable yet. When we finally depart the gates of St Margaret’s for that last time, please remember that unlike school, life has no timeline, success is a journey and not a destination. Congratulations to the class of 2019, may you continue your pursuit to excellence.
Karen Gorrie