Students, staff and parents gathered at QPAC’s Concert Hall on Tuesday 13 November for the 121st annual St Margaret’s Speech Night and prize giving ceremony.
The occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students and staff throughout the year as well as a formal farewell for our graduating Year 12 students.
During the proceedings, which was live streamed to take the event to the wider St Margaret’s community, Principal Ros Curtis delivered a thought-provoking address centred around the theme of happiness. She wished the graduating students many blessings for the future – their immediate studies in front of them, their work and lives which will follow.
Among her parting words Ms Curtis said: “You have the skills to make yourself happy. Look at life through the positive and optimistic lens and stop the discourse about results and university courses which is focussed on competition and stress. Just always do the best you can – no one can wish for more… Please maintain a learning mindset and, if life gets a little hard for you at times, you do have the ability to adapt and focus on the positive.”
Ms Curtis concluded with a quote from George Bernard Shaw’s play Back to Methuselah.
“Life is not meant to be easy, my child; but take courage: it can be delightful.”
Chair of School Council Alison Quinn gave an address which reflected on the school’s highlights and successes of 2018. She spoke of the award-winning academic advising program, continued excellent NAPLAN results and advanced digital literacy programs such as coding, robotics and drones. She paid tribute to the teaching staff who work both at the coal face with the girls and behind the scenes and highlighted the exciting development plans for the school’s new sports precinct.
Guest speaker Genevieve Gregor (’86) offered sage advice for our departing young women embarking on the next phase of their lives. As a partner at Colinton Capital and member of the Boarder of Trustees at Western Sydney University, Genevieve has had a long and successful career in finance. She shared eight salient points with the students from her life and work experiences.
School Captains Xanthe Lowe-Brown and Annabel Garland gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on the high points of 2018. Xanthe was awarded The Raymond Rees Award for Dux whilst Annabel received the prestigious Old Girls’ Prize.
Other award recipients included Head of Faculty – Global Studies Mathew Stein who received the Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning whilst Morgan Rowe received the Staff Award for Service to the School Community.
Olivia Zappala was awarded the inaugural Ausenco Engineering Scholarship as well as the Sheila Geise Memorial Bursary for English.
Whilst the speeches and presentations gave an opportunity to reflect on the 2018 year, so too did the highlights video which captured many of memories made throughout the year.
Guests enjoyed performances by ensembles and choirs showcasing the musical talents of many of our students.
St Margaret’s wishes the warmest of congratulations to all of those who received awards at the 2018 Speech Night and bids a fond farewell to our graduating Year 12 students as they embark on an exciting new chapter.