Queen Margaret Calling 2025 – Issue 72

QUEEN MARGARET

Calling

ISSUE 72 – 2025

By Design or by Default?

NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL DICHOTOMY FOR GIRLS

At Queen Margaret College (QMC), we are deeply committed to preparing our students for a future that is rapidly being shaped by digital innovation. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen outlines bold ambitions for empowering young women to lead with courage, resilience, and clarity in a digital and AIdriven world.

Digital fluency is now fundamental, not optional. Whether coding, using data analytics, or collaborating with intelligent tools, students must be confident and capable in digital environments. Our strategic priorities of digital intelligence and sustainable futures reflect this trajectory.

Yet with every stride forward in digital learning, we must also reckon with an undeniable truth: the same technologies that empower can also overwhelm. The psychological impact of social media poses a growing challenge that cannot be ignored, particularly for girls.

This is the digital dichotomy we face, and it demands a considered, compassionate response.

The Power and Potential of Digital Education

In the classroom, digital technologies offer boundless opportunity. Our students can access real-time feedback, collaborate across continents, and learn in ways once unimaginable. Tools like AI copilots (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) are now capable of assisting with writing, research, language learning, and idea generation. These innovations are changing how we teach – and how students learn.

Digital tools are not just about convenience. They are fundamentally reshaping how we think, solve problems, and engage with the world, and this reshaping is impacting young people as much as, or more than, adults.

At QMC, we are embracing this shift. Our teachers are supported to integrate intelligent tools in meaningful, ethical ways, and our students are encouraged to become creators of digital content, not just consumers. The learning and digital teams have been working to develop how learners at QMC can interact with AI tools in an ethical and supported manner. This can be seen in our newly developed AI Assessment Scale, which is being adopted across the College.

As part of our strategic direction, we are focused on developing digital agency where technology is used to enhance – not replace – human connection, purpose and creativity.

The Risks: Mental Health and Early Exposure

Not all digital experiences are created equal. We are now moving swiftly into a time of reviewing access to screens and digital devices, including cell phones.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes the early 2010s as the start of a “great rewiring” of childhood. The rapid rise of Instagram-style platforms coincided with alarming increases in anxiety, depression, and self-harm – particularly among teenage girls. The curated perfection of social media leads to constant comparison, feeding into cycles of self-doubt, disordered body image, and emotional distress. In his book The Anxious Generation, Haidt says, “Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable, and – as I will show – unsuitable for children and adolescents.”

Dr Danielle Einstein, a psychologist who studies anxiety and technology, explains that it’s not just what young people see online that causes harm – it’s also how often they check their devices. Getting likes and shares gives quick bursts of pleasure. However, over time, this makes it harder for young people to deal with tough emotions, handle conflict, and build strong emotional skills. In her book Raising Anxiety, Einstein says that always being online can increase anxiety, because young people start comparing themselves to others, and they rely too much on praise from social media instead of building real self worth.

Worryingly, this impact does not begin in adolescence. Emerging research shows that children as young as two years old are being affected by overexposure to screens, delaying the development of attention, language, and emotional selfregulation. These concerns are not theoretical. They are already showing up in schools and families.

The Counterpoint: Could Social Media Also Help?

While the risks are real and well documented, it’s important to acknowledge a growing body of research that challenges the idea that social media is inherently harmful.

Scholars like Professor Sonia Livingstone (London School of Economics and Political Science) argue that social media offers young people vital spaces for identity formation, creative expression, and community belonging. For LGBTQ+ youth and students with minority backgrounds, online platforms can be the only places where they feel seen, heard and safe. This is a message often referred to by those who argue against the B416 proposal currently under discussion by the Government – a proposal that aims to raise the age for social media use to 16.

Some suggest that removing or harshly restricting social media without providing offline alternatives for connection, humour, or exploration may backfire – driving secrecy, shame, and social exclusion, particularly for marginalised groups. They argue the goal should not be to “eliminate” social media, but to cultivate digital discernment, empowering students to critically evaluate what serves them, and what doesn’t. Personally, I query this as I struggle to believe that young people between the ages of 10 and 15 have the critical thinking skills to be discerning in the social media space.

Digital Wisdom: Our Approach at QMC

At Queen Margaret College, we’re navigating this landscape with balance and care. Our mission is not to demonise technology, but to humanise it.

We are:

• teaching digital citizenship and emotional regulation as essential life skills

• encouraging student agency so students shape their own boundaries and values around online engagement

• supporting parents with practical tools and open conversations through our speaker series

• reviewing our device-use policies to ensure they support both academic excellence and mental health.

Our vision is to cultivate both digital fluency and digital wisdom – so students don’t just know how to code or post, but know how to pause, reflect and choose well.

Strategic Alignment: “Watch It Happen”

Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen anchors this work. It challenges us to empower students with five integrated intelligences –academic, emotional, social, leadership and digital – within a framework that also prioritises wellbeing and sustainable futures.

As part of this vision, we are designing not just what learning looks like in the future, but what growing up looks like in a world where devices are everpresent, and the digital and emotional are deeply intertwined.

Find out more about our Strategic Plan on page 8.

Conclusion: Leading With Clarity and Courage

The digital world is not going away, and the question is not whether our girls will grow up with technology, it’s how. Will they be shaped by technology? Or will they learn to shape technology?

We are trying to help them to answer that question –by design, not by default. We want to walk alongside families to raise children who are not only tech-savvy, but thoughtful, self-aware, and strong enough to know when to log off.

The original aim of our founders was that Queen Margaret College “provide for girls a strong intellectual and moral education … and thus produce the best type of girlhood and womanhood”. This is still our call as educators: to prepare young women not only to survive the digital age, but to lead in it. Watch it happen.

Luce Veritatis.

Jayne-Ann Young Principal

Helpful resources:

About internet addiction

Managing screen time: Children 3–11 years

A Message From the Board Chair

It has been another great start to the year at QMC!

The year started with remarkable 2024 academic results, reflecting the strength and spirit of our school community. We have many reasons to be proud of our students, staff and College family. From outstanding academic results to strong performances in sports, and achievements in arts and music, our community continues to excel. These accomplishments don’t happen in isolation, and our parents and whānau play a significant role. Thank you for the unending support you bring to the school.

The College remains in a strong position. Our roll has reached a record high. Queen Margaret House is full, and many year groups are at capacity. We continue to see a strong demand for boarding from both domestic and international students, prompting the Board to actively explore options to expand the College’s boarding facilities. I’m pleased to share that 45 Hobson Street, a traditional character home next door, will be converted into new boarding facilities on campus, and Queen Margaret Residence (QMR) will be ready to welcome its first student cohort to open at the start of next year.

The other exciting highlight is the launch in May of the Strategic Plan 2025-2028, which has been led by our Principal Jayne-Ann Young and her executive team. The Board has been immensely impressed at how the Strategic Plan continues to push boundaries, ensuring our students benefit from cutting-edge leadership in an ever-changing world. Key strategic areas include deepening our commitment to wellbeing as central to achievement, embedding a whole-school digital strategy, and continuing to integrate te Tiriti into our learning approach.

A particularly important focus for the Board is our Campus Master Plan – a campus development plan that is bold and forward-thinking, reflecting our dedication to growth and adaptation in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Roll growth is a key driver for this, but we are also mindful of

how dynamic the education and learning field is. We are taking an approach that will meet both current and future learning needs. A key priority is to preserve our beautiful heritage buildings while creating modern, appealing learning spaces to underpin our progressive approach to education. The finalisation of the Campus Master Plan will be a critical milestone in 2025 and beyond.

Central to our financial objectives is our fundraising strategy. Fundraising is a necessary initiative alongside campus development. In the past, the College has primarily funded new builds from the balance sheet and through borrowing. This worked well, but given our current and future campus development aspirations, our fundraising capacity now becomes of critical importance.

Other strategic priorities for the Board include QMC’s digital transformation, which focuses on modernising our digital systems, reducing inefficiencies, and becoming more data driven.

Our Board has had some personnel changes, and this has brought fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our governance. Earlier this year we farewelled Jane Ball who served on the Board as representative of the Old Girls’ Association for nine years. While Jane’s presence on the Board will be hugely missed, she continues to serve the College in many ways, including leading the alumni programme. In February, our Associate Governor Ursula Featherstone, another Old Girl, stepped into the Old Girls representative role. Presbytery representative Kathryn Sutherland also stepped off the Board in April, and we are currently recruiting a new Governor in her place. These changes are part of our commitment to ensuring that we have the right mix of skills and experiences to guide the College into the future.

Our community thrives because of the dedication and generosity of everyone involved. Every member of our community contributes to the unique fabric of our College. From the teachers to the Old Girls, the Foundation Trust, and of course the Parents’ Association that enables our families to thrive within

the school. We are all united by a shared belief in the transformative power of education, and it is the sum of all our efforts that gives life to the rich community at our College.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

Anna Lillis Board Chair

Meet Our Board of Governors

Alana Bicknell

Board Governor

Parents’ Association Representative

Dr Sarah Burke Deputy Board Chair

Ursula Featherston

Board Governor

Old Girls’ Association Representative

Kathryn Sutherland

Board Governor

Presbytery Representative

Dr Odette Frost

Board Governor

Old Girls’ Association Representative

Rev Dr Feiloaiga

Taule ′ ale ′ ausumai

Board Governor

Presbytery Representative

Claire Carruthers Board Governor

Dr Richard Li

Board Governor

Parents’ Association Representative

Thu Phuong Truong

Board Governor

Sam Cottier Board Governor

Chris Redpath Board Governor

Jennifer Wademan

Board Governor

Strategic Plan 2025–2028 Watch It Happen

Queen Margaret College stands at the edge of a new horizon. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen is more than a roadmap – it is an unwavering commitment to shaping a future where our students flourish in life, not just in their careers.

Rooted in the enduring principle of “Luce Veritatis – By the Light of Truth” and guided by our values of manaakitanga (generosity), whakaute (respect), manawaroa (resilience), pono (integrity) and māia (courage), this plan affirms our vision to develop resilient wāhine who lead with clarity, compassion and courage. Our students will be not only academically capable, but emotionally grounded, socially conscious and digitally fluent.

This future-focused plan centres on the whole student. It reflects our belief that belonging, wellbeing and purpose are essential conditions for learning and growth. Through the integration of a skills-based outcomes framework, we are advancing beyond traditional content delivery and are preparing our students to meet complexity with confidence and creativity.

We are resolute in our mission to nurture confident, compassionate leaders equipped with the skills and mindsets needed to thrive – and lead – in an ever-changing global context. Social influence, collaboration, digital and analytical fluency, adaptability, ethical leadership and sound decisionmaking now stand alongside academic excellence as critical capabilities and essential graduate outcomes. Our vision honours both intellect and identity, recognising that true excellence emerges when learners feel seen, valued and connected.

Framed around five diverse intelligences –academic, emotional, social, digital and leadership – our Strategic Plan draws on leading global research to equip students with tools to navigate and shape the world with empathy and integrity. Our approach to hauora (wellbeing) is both individual and collective, ensuring every student feels valued, supported and empowered to grow.

To bring this vision to life, we have identified key strategic enablers: vibrant campus development, operational excellence, enduring partnerships and sustainability. Supported by a phased implementation across three horizons, this strategy is bold, ambitious, and deeply grounded in the needs of our evolving world.

We are not waiting for the future to arrive. We are forging it – together.

Scan to read the full Strategic Plan

TOEMPOWERYOUNG WOMENTOLIVE,LEARN ANDLEADCOURAGEOUSLY LUCEVERITATIS “BYTHELIGHTOFTRUTH”

MANAAKITANGA GENEROSITY

PONO INTEGRITY WHAKAUTE RESPECT MĀIA COURAGE

MANAWAROA RESILIENCE

FUTURISTIC (ACADEMIC)

EMPOWERED (EMOTIONAL)

ENGAGED (SOCIAL)

PREPARED (DIGITAL)

Our community cultivates entrepreneurial, critical and analytical thinkers who look beyond the immediate, are courageous and solve realworld problems to shape the future.

Our community is guided by our values to develop emotional management and selfchallenges with optimism and resilience.

awareness, empowering us to approach

Our community will nurture whanaungatanga, adeptly navigate diverse social contexts, and make thoughtful contributions within Aotearoa

New Zealand and globally.

At Queen Margaret College we are responsible, ethical and engaged digital citizens. We use technology thoughtfully to build connections,

drive positive change, and to create and innovate. SELF (LEADERSHIP) others through authentic leadership, mentoring,

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

REPUTATION, &PARTNERSHIPS, ENGAGEMENT

The members of our community will first know themselves, learn to work as a team, and then lead and coaching.

TheCollegewillstrengthenitslegacyasaleaderin educationbyfosteringmeaningfulpartnerships, itscelebratingcommunityconnections,andamplifying reputationonthenationalandglobalstage.

The College will operate with precision and innovation,ensuringseamlesssystems,exceptional thatservice,andacultureofcontinuousimprovement supportsstudentsuccess.

The College will develop a dynamic campus that honours tradition while embracing innovation. We will create spaces that inspire learning, foster collaboration, and strengthen our community. CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT strongoperationalpracticestoensureweremain forgenerationstocome. TheCollegewillsecureitspositionasaneducational leaderthroughstrategicfinancialmanagement, environmentalstewardship,andinnovative FUTURESSUSTAINABLE andsafedigitalenvironmentandcreateadynamic interactivelearningenvironment. streamlineTheCollegewillleveragetechnologysolutionsto administrativeprocesses,fostera TECHNOLOGY

Campus Master Plan Update

Queen Margaret College is proud to progress the next phase of our campus transformation –continuing a legacy of progressive innovation, wellbeing and future-ready learning. As part of our Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen, we are reimagining the physical heart of the College to better support the future-ready skills, passions, resilience and leadership of our ākonga.

Central to this vision is ensuring 53 Hobson Street continues to provide a first-class learning environment. Recent enhancements – including the School Library (2024), and Queen Margaret House, Preschool, and Hobson Gym (completed in 2018) – have laid a strong foundation for future transformation.

The Campus Master Plan carries this momentum forward, creating an enduring, empowering and dynamic space shaped for the evolving needs of our school community. Last year, we introduced Phase 1: the Creative Industries Centre – an exciting transformation set to reimagine the Old Gym.

Bound by the parameters of our urban site, progress relies on ambitious thinking and considered staging. Each phase is designed to minimise disruption to

learning while unlocking bold possibilities for the future. Each stage of the Master Plan is intentionally crafted to elevate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning and to champion wellbeing – reflecting Queen Margaret College’s commitment to providing the foundation for each student to live, learn and lead courageously.

“Every school has its own traditions and atmosphere which directly impacts the wellbeing and performance of students –ours is to be progressive, which means having an advanced school environment and the very best of everything. School is the centre of a child’s life and it is a fact that school environments are decisive for students to achieve academic, sporting and cultural results.”

Principal Jayne-Ann Young

Phase 1 – Creative Industries Centre

The Creative Industries Centre will transform the Old Gym into a vibrant hub for art, design, media, dance, drama and music. Starting here means we will not only minimise disruptions for learning, but the Creative Industries Centre will also serve as the foundation for all subsequent developments, encouraging creativity and innovation through purpose-built, future-focused spaces.

We envisage the Centre as two distinct precincts –Music and Drama, and Visual Arts and Technology –linked by a gallery that showcases student work.

Planned spaces for the Music and Drama Precinct include an auditorium for orchestra recitals and events, a drama studio with theatre lighting, acoustic treatment and exhibition capabilities, and a music zone for lessons and rehearsals. The Visual Arts and Technology Precinct will feature "dry studios" for photography and theory, a media studio with green screen capability for digital recording and presentations, and "wet studios" for print-making and pottery, supported by a clay store and kiln.

Future Phases

With Phase 1 paving the way, subsequent phases of the Campus Master Plan will continue to evolve our learning spaces – each one strategically designed to maximise site potential and minimise disruption. Our focus will shift to developing specialist centres for STEM and wellbeing, ensuring every student has access to innovative environments that support both academic excellence and personal flourishing.

Minor Projects Underway

In tandem with the larger developments, minor upgrades will be delivered throughout the Master Plan. Two projects currently under investigation include the enhancement of the Junior School playground and the addition of weather protection over the tennis courts.

Community Support and Donations

Delivering the Campus Master Plan is a bold investment in the future of Queen Margaret College – one that will shape our learning environment for generations to come. Realising this vision depends on the collective generosity of our community.

Now is the time to make a lasting impact. Every donation brings us closer to a campus where innovation, wellbeing and academic excellence go hand in hand. The sooner we reach our fundraising goals, the sooner we can bring our vision to life.

We invite support at every level – from transformational gifts and naming rights opportunities, to tax-deductible individual donations. Each act of generosity will play a vital role in shaping the future of Queen Margaret College.

For donation details, scan the QR code or email foundation@qmc.school.nz

What Happens When You Follow Your North Star?

A Conversation With Haritoa Waaka, Head Prefect, and Alice Egerton, Deputy Head Prefect

The Beginning of the Journey

Haritoa Waaka: When I joined QMC in 2021, I never expected to be where I am today – at all. It was a surreal and humbling experience to be chosen to carry QMC’s legacy forward in a way I never expected. Throughout my time in QMC, I’ve had the most amazing opportunities outside of school to develop leadership skills, life skills and relationship skills through being in the New Zealand Cadets Forces, which has been a pivotal catalyst in my life. It’s taught me everything, from how to work efficiently under pressure, general survival skills applicable to life, and even how to teach young teenagers.

Alice Egerton: I joined QMC at just five years old. It has been my home and community for as long as I can remember. I’ve grown up here, always looking up with admiration to Year 13s who lead the school. Over my journey at QMC, I have been able to explore all facets of learning, whether that be academic, athletic, or the arts. Over the past four years, I have leaned into the athletic side of my journey. I have been able to have some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and through them I have learned a lot about the work ethic and teamwork skills that are necessary to lead.

Student Leadership Camp

During the January school holidays, we travelled to Sydney Women’s College – thanks to the generosity of the QMPCA – to embark on a fourday student leadership course alongside 112 wāhine from across Australasia. As leaders of our kura, we each went on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the theme “Discover Her.” At the camp, we explored our leadership styles and clarified our shared vision and purpose within our kura. This process helped us grow closer as a pair, united by a common goal: to foster growth and ambition within our school community, and to strengthen the connections that support it. From that point on, we were ready to take on 2025!

Our Legacy

When we stepped into our leadership roles this year, one of the first questions we were asked was, “What do you want your legacy to be?” –followed by, “How?” So we began to reflect. We asked ourselves what mattered most to us, and we came up with this idea of achievement and ambition – not in the traditional sense of medals or certificates, but in a personal way. We wanted to celebrate courage, growth, and the kind of success that comes from pushing past fear. That’s why we chose the theme for Year 13: “Look up and see the stars.” It’s a reminder to aim high, to notice the possibilities above and around us, and to recognise that we’re not alone in our journey. We want our QMC whānau to reach for their own north star – to pursue what they’re capable of without hesitation, and to see the constellation of others reaching too.

The Korowai We Wear

Korowai – prestigious cloaks woven with care and significance – hold a special place in Māori culture. They are traditionally associated with honour, leadership, warmth, and protection. At QMC, it is a high honour to wear the korowai specially designed and made for our head prefects, bestowed upon us as symbols of trust and legacy. These korowai carry the stories of the six incredible women leaders who came before us, and it is a privilege beyond words to feel their protection as we carry forward our own chapter of leadership. We know the korowai will continue to nurture the future QMC leaders who follow, and it will be our honour to pass them on to the next generation.

From here, we carry the fire of our predecessors with grace – its warmth, strength, and light guiding us. And with equal excitement, we prepare to pass that flame forward, ready to begin the cycle anew.

“We want our QMC whānau to reach for their own north star –to pursue what they’re capable of without hesitation, and to see the constellation of others reaching too.”

Left: Deputy Head Prefect, Alice Egerton Right: Head Prefect, Haritoa Waaka

From the Parents' Association

Connecting, Contributing and Championing Community

The Queen Margaret College Parents’ Association (QMCPA) exists as more than a fundraising body –it’s a cornerstone of connection and community. In 2025, we’re incredibly proud of the dedicated volunteers who make up QMCPA. They shape student life through their ongoing commitment to events, service and support.

Highlights from the year included some of the regular QMCPA events such as the Year 13 Leavers’ BBQ, Spirit Week’s Mr Whippy visit, serving sapasui for Vaiaso o le Gagona Samoa (Samoa Language Week), and the Annual QMCPA Quiz Night, one of our biggest fundraising initiatives annually. We have also been delighted to support student initiatives such as Kura Kai, contributing to our students and whānau as well as the wider Wellington community.

But our role extends beyond organising events. As one past Chair put it, the focus is not just on fundraising, but “friendraising”. That sentiment has shaped the QMCPA's response to growing needs within our community. Hardship can affect any family, regardless of circumstance. In 2024–2025, the Parents’ Association quietly supported families facing grief, illness or financial stress – helping with costs like uniforms, stationery, and access to extracurricular opportunities.

One of our most impactful ongoing initiatives is the Second-hand Uniform Shop, which runs sales at the beginning and end of the year, as well as on Open Day. In 2025, it not only eased costs for families, but reinforced sustainable practices, and built a sense of community care.

This year marked a major milestone with the addition of a second QMC van funded by the QMCPA,now in regular use for school transport and student opportunities.

QMCPA also reflects and celebrates the diverse cultures within the QMC community. With a committee made up of parents from many different backgrounds, we actively support cultural events and ensure an inclusive approach to all our work.

None of this could happen without the wider QMC network, particularly the collaboration between the Parents’ Association, the Old Girls’ Association, and the Foundation Trust. Together, we form a strong foundation for student success.

Looking ahead, the Parents’ Association remains committed to building community, championing diversity, and supporting every student to thrive at Queen Margaret College.

Alana Bicknell President, Parents’ Association

QMCPA proudly fundraised for a new school van

Students enjoying Mr Whippy ice creams during Spirit Week

The annual QMCPA Quiz Night

Harriet Hine (Year 6) enjoying Mr Whippy ice cream for Spirit Week

Sapasui lunch served for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoa Language Week)

Traditional dress to go with Sapasui during Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa

Year 13 Parents BBQ students vs. parents tug of war (the students won!)

From the Foundation Trust

I am delighted to share some reflections and updates from the Foundation Trust. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our foundation trustees, our mission to enhance the educational experience and facilities at Queen Margaret College has been advanced significantly. Their tireless efforts have not only raised the Trust’s profile, but also reinforced our commitment to our mission.

At the heart of QMC’s Foundation Trust lies a philosophy rooted in fostering a thoughtful, engaging, and community-infused educational environment. Our commitment is to perpetually enrich the College’s unique character, recognising that this endeavour is a dynamic and ongoing process.

One of our primary focuses has been on strengthening our fundraising efforts. This is particularly crucial as we embark on the ambitious Campus Master Plan 2025–2035, with Stage 1 dedicated to the creative industries. The development of the Creative Industries Centre is a pivotal step in our journey, and we are excited about the opportunities it will bring to our students and the wider community.

In the face of continual funding needs for College initiatives, the Foundation Trust embraces the challenge of fundraising with a steadfast dedication to transparency and accountability. This commitment extends to our donors, stakeholders, government agencies, and future patrons –their trust and support are fundamental to the Foundation Trust’s success.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sophia Gittings for leading the first fundraising event for the Creative Industries Centre: Sophia – The Debut Concert. I also want to express sincere gratitude to all the people and businesses that came forward to support Sophia and our fundraising efforts. Your generosity is vital to achieving our goals, and we welcome future contributions with open arms.

As we look ahead, the continued support and generosity of our community will be essential in realising our vision. Together, we can create a vibrant and dynamic environment that enables every QMC student to live, learn and lead courageously. I would like to acknowledge the Parents’ Association and Old Girls’ Association for their support in the College’s fundraising endeavours.

Mark your calendars as we will once again host the QMC annual Circa Theatre pantomime pre-showing on Friday 14 November. This year’s production and theme is Robin Hood , and I encourage everyone to start planning their costumes for this muchanticipated event.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. By supporting our initiatives, you are playing a part in building futures and empowering the next generation of female leaders to achieve their full potential.

Peter Mahoney Chair, Foundation Trust

To learn more about how the Foundation Trust is empowering the next generation of female leaders, or offer bequests or financial donations, please scan this code or email foundation@qmc.school.nz

Peter Mahoney presenting before the preview of the Circa Theatre pantomime, November 2024

Musician Sarah Zhou performing the cello at The Debut Concert

Pantomime group costume winners with Jayne-Ann Young

From the Alumni Office and Old Girls' Association

Honouring Our Past, Investing in the Future

Reunions and Connection

Over recent months, with the support of the Old Girls’ Association (OGA), the Alumni Office has had the privilege of organising and hosting a number of alumni events designed to foster meaningful connections, celebrate our shared experiences, and strengthen the QMC alumni community. These gatherings have brought together Old Girls from far and wide, all united by our common education and a desire to reconnect and engage.

We’ve been delighted to host a series of memorable reunions including the third-form class of 1974 in November 2024, the leaving class of 2023 in December 2024, the third-form class of 1975 in March 2025, and the leaving class of 2005 in April 2025. Each event has been filled with laughter, shared stories, and the joy of reconnecting with old friends in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s been heartening to receive such positive feedback about the sense of community and belonging these events foster. They are a true reminder of the lifelong connections formed at QMC and the powerful role our alumni play as ambassadors of the College.

Looking To The Future

As Queen Margaret College looks to the future, so does the OGA. QMC’s new Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen focuses on preparing the next generation to thrive in a complex and fast-moving world. We are proud to support this vision by remaining actively engaged with the College and advocating for both current and past students.

Whether it’s fostering mentorship, funding opportunities, or creating a welcoming community that stretches beyond graduation, we are committed to ensuring our alumni continue to have a meaningful role in shaping the QMC of tomorrow.

Celebrating Alumni Achievement

In March, the Alumni Office and the OGA were proud to support Sophia – The Debut Concert, a fundraising event for Sophia Gittings, a 2024 graduate and multi-year winner of the OGA aria and concerto competition. Sophia’s talent, drive, and years of dedication to the performing arts were evident throughout her time at QMC, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

We also continue to celebrate our wider community through the OGA honours programme, recognising alumni who have made outstanding contributions across education, health and community wellbeing, arts, culture and heritage, environment, business, and public service.

Know someone who should be recognised? Email your nomination to alumni@qmc.school.nz.

Old Girls’ Association Highlights

We were proud to commission a bespoke cabinet to display the Gospel of Saint Margaret – one of only twenty in the world – now housed in the College’s library. It stands as a lasting tribute to our heritage and to the generosity of our community. We warmly encourage you to spend time with it next time you’re visiting the library.

We have been delighted to support several studentled service initiatives, including the Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support the Breast Cancer Foundation led by QMFem, QMC’s feminist group; the Queen of Hearts Service Club’s fundraising drive for a community AED (portable defibrillator); and Kura Kai, a project that brings people together to cook kai for those in need. These initiatives demonstrate the powerful role our students play in serving both the College and the wider community.

Our support of Year 13 students includes the annual delivery of care packages during their busiest academic months, and we continue to contribute to Gratitude Evenings – powerful occasions where students reflect on what they value most. These moments foster wellbeing, build connection, and echo the principles that shape QMC for life.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated College staff who make Old Girls feel so welcome. Their generosity of spirit strengthens the bridge between past and present.

Stay Connected Get Involved

▶ Reunions, updates, memories –we’d love to hear from you! For help organising a reunion, email us at alumni@qmc.school.nz

▶ Share memorabilia like hymn books, yearbooks, or photos. Send to QMC Alumni Office, 53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011

Update your contact details

Make a meaningful difference in our community. Volunteer with the OGA – all ages and talents welcome! Email us at oldgirls@qmc.school.nz

Share your wisdom with Fireside Chats, relaxed 15-minute video conversations designed to inspire, reassure and empower students as they look to life beyond QMC. Email us at alumni@qmc.school.nz

The third-form (Year 9) class of 1975 reuniting at QMC in March this year

The Gospel of Saint Margaret proudly displayed in the QMC library

Jane Ball Alumni Director

Lynne Speight President, Old Girls' Association

Fireside Chats

INTRODUCING NEW BOARD MEMBERS

We have recently welcomed three new Board members to our Board of Governors.

Rev Dr Feiloaiga Taule′ale′ausumai (Fei)

Board Governor

Reverend Dr Feiloaiga Taule′ale′ausumai (Fei) is a published theologian and leader in Pacific theology with extensive experience in academia, church leadership, and community engagement. She has held key roles with the Council for World Mission, Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. An Aotearoa-born Sāmoan, Fei holds a PhD from AUT and multiple theology degrees.

Dr Richard Li

Board Governor and Chair, Digital and Data Committee

Dr Richard Li brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in digital and data, AI, and cybersecurity. As a CIO and CISO in the public sector, he has led major transformations across Aotearoa New Zealand, USA, and China, and has contributed to international conferences and journals. As a QMC parent, Richard is passionate about independent education and helping QMC navigate digital transformation and future challenges.

Ursula Featherston

Ursula holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Linguistics, and her professional journey has taken her across the world and into integral positions here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently, she serves as a dedicated Senior Strategic Advisor for Te Mātāwai, an independent statutory entity responsible for the Maihi Māori, the Māori language strategy for kāinga, hapori and iwi. She is pursuing a Master of Indigenous Studies. Ursula has a strong interest in Māori language revitalisation. She continues to apply her skills and experience to the goal of revitalising te reo Māori in Aoteaora New Zealand. Ursula is a QMC alumna and has served on the Board as Associate Governor for the past year. She is proud to step up into the Governor role.

A Seat at the Table How QMC Is Growing Young Governance Talent

When Queen Margaret College launched its Associate Governor programme in 2023, it wasn’t just creating a new opportunity. It was signalling a belief: that effective leadership isn’t defined by age or even experience, but by insight, curiosity and courage.

Designed for young Wellington-based Old Girls who have graduated in the last 10 years, the programme offers a 24-month observer role on the QMC Board. Unlike Governors, who have a three-year term and voting rights, Associate Governors don’t vote or form part of any quorum. Instead, they gain rare access to strategic discussions, are mentored by experienced Board members, and develop governance skills in a learning-focused environment.

Ursula Featherston graduated QMC in 2013. For her, becoming QMC’s first Associate Governor was more than an honour; it was a platform to give back, a professional development opportunity, and a powerful lens into leadership. “It’s like training wheels for governance”, she says. “You’re at the table, absorbing, learning, but without the pressure of voting responsibilities. There’s space to ask questions, to experiment, to grow.”

Serving as an observer gave Ursula a front-row view of governance, gaining insights seldom accessible to those outside the boardroom. From deciphering Board papers to distinguishing strategy from operations, she discovered not only the business side of education, but her voice in decision-making spaces. “I realised the Board isn’t some intimidating institution: it’s a team. You’re there because your perspective matters.”

Now a Senior Strategic Advisor for Te Mātāwai, Ursula supports her own board more effectively thanks to her QMC experience. “It’s helped me approach my work with more confidence and clarity”, she reflects.

Her motivation to join the Associate Governor programme was also personal. “At QMC, I had opportunities that shaped me. This was my chance

to improve things for the next generation, especially around te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and inclusion.”

The Associate Governor programme aligns with QMC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028: Watch It Happen, which aims to grow future-focused leaders with courage, ethical decision-making and social influence.

Ursula has since stepped into a full Governor role, opening the door for the next alumna to step forward into the Associate Governor role.

“I realised the Board isn’t some intimidating institution: it’s a team. You’re there because your perspective matters.”

Applications are open – and the next seat at the table could be yours! Interested in becoming QMC’s next Associate Governor? Email Alumni Director Jane Ball at alumni@qmc.school.nz . Include a brief note about yourself and why you are interested in being considered for the programme.

A Season of Small Wonders: Tiny Creatures, Big Sounds, Bright Spirits FROM THE PRESCHOOL

An inquiry into the natural world kicked off the year, with children learning about life cycles and bringing a range of live specimens from their own gardens. As the inquiry progressed, the children explored a wide variety of insects and animals, and to deepen their understanding, the Preschool went on an excursion to Wellington Zoo.

The inquiry focus then shifted towards curriculum music education where the children were introduced to the well-known musical stories The Carnival of the Animals and Peter and the Wol f. Members of the Wellington Orchestra visited, so the children could hear characters from the stories performed live and learn about sections of the orchestra and the dynamics of sound. We were also fortunate to have one of our parents (an ex-professional ballet dancer!) lead a Swan Lake workshop with the children, bringing the inquiry into the natural world to a graceful close.

As one of our learning priorities, the Preschool remains focused on supporting all children through successful transitions into Junior School. Staff are reviewing children’s experiences to ensure we are doing this as effectively as possible for all our students. Teachers continue to nurture integral foundation skills including independence, self-

confidence, communication and numeracy. To ensure children are progressing well in literacy, we are introducing the same literacy programme used in Junior School to appropriately monitor understanding and growth.

As we welcomed Matariki 2025, the children enthusiastically performed a special event for their parents and whānau. Teachers supported the children to learn about Matariki through songs, creating art, and listening to stories. To make Matariki even more memorable this year, the Preschool attended the Matariki Glow Show at Wellington Opera House, and we unveiled new artwork above our sandpit – Ngā Whetū o Matariki (The Stars of Matariki). This artwork is a beautiful installation created by Preschool teacher Caitlin Larkan as a parting gift before she moved to Auckland.

Emily Domican Head of Preschool

From Chrysalis to Courage: The Quiet Power of Growth FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

At Queen Margaret College Junior School, learning is more than academics – it’s a journey of discovery, wellbeing and personal growth. This year, our strategic theme “Watch It Happen” has invited us to appreciate the quiet, powerful moments where learning takes root. Whether it’s the wonder in a child’s eyes as they spot a chrysalis on a swan plant, or the bravery shown in naming and managing emotions – growth and learning are happening all around us.

Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated staff continue to embed the principles of our QMC Hauora Model, fostering emotional and social intelligence through age-appropriate programmes. From Term 1, students have been encouraged to develop a growth mindset, embracing challenges with resilience and optimism.

In Term 2, we introduced the Zones of Regulation framework across the Junior School. This colourful, engaging tool helps students identify and understand their emotions, and equips them with strategies to regulate and respond with empathy and mindfulness. Daily gratitude circles and mindful breathing, “hāki roto, hāki waho” (inhale, exhale), have become cherished rituals, helping students to become calm and ready to learn.

At QMC, learning is never confined to a single subject. Our inquiry-based approach, guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), encourages students to explore big concepts through transdisciplinary themes such as “Who we are”, “Sharing the planet”, and “How we organise ourselves”.

Our youngest learners have been hands-on with nature, exploring life cycles and seasonal changes through planting and observation. Meanwhile, students across the school have been introduced to coding through robotics, sparking curiosity and creativity. In Years 4 – 6, a focus on digital safety and leadership prompted thoughtful conversations about responsibility, both online and within our community.

The Year 6 Exhibition is a highlight of our calendar, showcasing the culmination of students’ learning journeys. Grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students work in teams to investigate global issues and propose meaningful actions. It is a powerful demonstration of the IB learner profile attributes in action, where students shine as thinkers, communicators and compassionate learners.

Every child’s journey is supported by our extraordinary teaching team whose dedication and care ensure that each learner flourishes – not just academically, but as a whole person. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to nurturing our students to be thinkers, leaders and global citizens.

To our parents and whānau, thank you for walking alongside us. Your partnership is invaluable, and together we look forward to continuing this journey with purpose, compassion and curiosity.

Jan Treeby Head of Junior School

Introducing Our KAIĀRAHI AND TE REO MĀORI TEACHER

This year, Queen Margaret College welcomed Whaea Lara Wharerau as our kaiārahi and te reo Māori teacher. With more than 30 years’ experience in education, Whaea Lara brings considerable expertise, a passion for language revitalisation, and a commitment to cultural wellbeing.

Whaea Lara’s journey to QMC began in Northland where she was principal of a small rural school. When the opportunity arose to teach te reo Māori in Wellington, she embraced it. “Adventure called”, she says. “I was excited to apply my knowledge and create safe, fun learning environments.”

Although she didn’t grow up speaking te reo Māori, Whaea Lara became fluent through years of immersion in kura kaupapa Māori, language courses, and most significantly, Te Ataarangi, a Māori language revitilisation movement and methodology. Now a certified Te Ataarangi teacher, Whaea Lara brings this unique, hands-on method into her classes at QMC using Cuisenaire rods (small, coloured blocks used to visually and physically represent language structure). She credits her mother, who implemented the first full immersion Māori class at Auckland Girls’ Grammar, as her greatest inspiration.

Of Ngāpuhi descent, Whaea Lara’s whakapapa connects to Ngāti Hao, Ngāti Hinemutu, Ngāi-tāWake-ki-te-Waokū and Te Māhurehure, with roots in Rāhiri and Te Taitokerau. “My identity is entwined in my practice”, she says, “and resonates deeply with our school values”. Cultural grounding is central to her approach: “My role involves listening to the voice of Māori and Pasifika students and bringing their voice to power.”

Whaea Lara is committed to helping QMC authentically grow te ao Māori. “QMC is actively addressing Māori aspirations across the charter, curriculum, and school events”, she explains. “My role is to ensure those aspirations are understood and realised.” Through partnerships with Te Ātiawa iwi, Kura Ahurea wānanga, and everyday tikanga, she is guiding the school through a shared, strategic journey of reflection and change.

Teaching te reo Māori to beginners takes creativity. Whaea Lara focuses on child-centred learning: “Games, songs, stories, anything that helps students see themselves in the language. Make it fun, relevant, and memorable.”

Her most moving moment so far was QMC’s pōwhiri. “I was embraced by students and felt a deep responsibility to them.”

Her message to the QMC whānau? “Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangitia te angitū – feel the fear and do it anyway. Just give it a go.”

Introducing Our MĀORI AND PACIFIC STUDENTS' KAITĀTAKI

A Message From Grace Bicknell, Our Inaugural Māori

Tēnā koutou kātoa, ko Grace tōku ingoa and I am the first Māori and Pacific students’ kaitātaki at Queen Margaret College. This role allows me the privilege to represent and uplift Polynesian culture in a meaningful way within our kura.

As part of my new role, I worked with the kura to establish a new service initiative, a partnership with Kura Kai. Kura Kai is a Māori-owned small business that runs on the kaupapa "whānau cooking for whānau". This organisation brings together communities to cook bulk meals for those in need. These meals are then distributed to six locally based secondary schools in Te Whanganui-aTara Wellington. Kura Kai have chosen to support secondary schools because they know how important a completed secondary education is to the future of our rangatahi. Kura Kai believes in the power of kindness and generosity, and the importance of showing respect and maintaining mana. They seek to empower rangatahi through the choice of helping others.

Our kura is supporting this kaipakihi (business) by organising cook-ups for rangatahi and whānau to come together and prepare meals for those in need. These meals are stored in our communal freezer in the Old Gym and collected by our local Kura Kai

and Pacific Students' Kaitātaki

coordinator for distribution.

Our first cook up, the Matariki cook up, was held on Sunday 15 June. Thirty volunteers joined forces to prepare chilli con carne and hashbrown bake. Together we created 100 meals, an amazing outcome that reflects the generosity and spirit of our community. This initiative is also the first to be supported by all three QMC foundations: the Parents’ Association, the Foundation Trust, and the Old Girls’ Association. Their support has been instrumental in getting this kaupapa off the ground.

My vision for this initiative is to show manaakitanga, to recognise the need within our community, and to take action to create change. This partnership provides the opportunity for students and families to come together, cook with heart, and make a real difference.

“My role at QMC is about creating connections and strengthening our Māori and Pacific whānau. Partnering with Kura Kai allows us to live out those values in a practical and powerful way.”

Introducing Our ENGAGEMENT PREFECT

What Happens When You Dive In: A Conversation with Yasmin Ramanathan, the Inaugural Engagement Prefect

When Queen Margaret College introduced the new Engagement Prefect role this year, it marked more than a shift in student leadership – it signalled a new era of connection across campus. With the rise of student-led initiatives in sport, arts, wellbeing, and digital storytelling, the need for a dedicated voice championing engagement had never been clearer.

Enter Yasmin Ramanathan. With a confident eye for design, a gift for bringing people together, and a passion for creative communication, Yasmin has spent the year shaping the role from the ground up –building bridges across year levels, digital platforms, and community groups. “At first, I assumed the role would mostly focus on social media and digital campaigns”, Yasmin reflects. “But I quickly discovered it’s so much more. To me, it means finding new ways to bring the school community together –online and in person.”

Her eye for design and love of creativity made the role a natural fit. “Subjects like digital technology and photography really helped me grow my skills. I felt confident I could do the role justice. I also loved the idea of being part of something new and helping shape it for future students.”

Yasmin has worked to define the role for future engagement prefects by starting traditions and creating student-facing opportunities. Leading the Student Social Media Team, in collaboration with QMC’s Engagement and Communications Team, has been a highlight – allowing students to

explore branding and storytelling while shaping how they’re represented online. She’s also worked to design events that resonate across the kura. Yasmin explains, “I think it’s important to offer a variety of activities so everyone can find something they’re excited about. Promoting these activities on our student social media pages has been key. Sometimes the issue isn’t lack of interest – it’s that students don’t always know what’s happening.”

Engagement can come with challenges.

“Personally, I think the biggest hurdle is how busy everyone is”, Yasmin says. “That’s why I’ve focused on creating quick, low-commitment opportunities that make it easy for people to join in.”

A standout moment this year was Yasmin’s involvement in "What Happens When She Wears the Crown" – QMC’s empowering series of music videos. She was invited into key creative conversations and joined the on-set team as a production runner –gaining fresh insight into creative collaboration and the fast-paced world of film.

Her advice to the next Engagement Prefect? “Have fun and take every opportunity to try something new. There are so many people to connect with and so many possibilities to explore. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone: you never know what might happen. And finally, organisation is key!”

Yasmin working as a production runner on the set of What Happens

When She Wears The Crown?

Introducing Our SERVICE PREFECT

Leading With Heart: QMC’s Service Prefect Madeleine Wilson Inspires a Legacy of Compassion

When service is both instinct and intention, remarkable things can unfold. For Madeleine Wilson, QMC’s 2025 Service Prefect, giving back has never been just a task – it’s been a creative, heartfelt calling grounded in the belief that small acts can create lasting change.

“Service has always been at the heart of QMC”, she reflects. “I was drawn to this role because I wanted to grow that spirit and create opportunities that felt meaningful and hands-on.”

Her definition is clear: noticing where you can help and choosing to act. “It’s about dignity, access, and empathy. Since taking on this role, I’ve realised service is also about listening”, Madeleine says. “Some of the most meaningful projects this year have come from hearing what other students and community members care about and finding ways to support those ideas.”

The Pack a Pencil Case initiative that kickstarted Madeleine’s service journey continues to make an impact. What began as a Year 10 Community Project has now delivered more than 1,000 stationery-filled pencil cases to students in low-decile schools – and earned her two Mayoral Awards.|

But it wasn’t the accolades that shifted her thinking. “A recipient said, ‘I’ve never had my own stationery before.’ That comment stayed with me. It made me realise the power of giving and the importance of making others feel seen.”

This year, Madeleine led two service clubs through the Queen’s Edge and Cross-Curricular programmes, and fundraised $4,000 to date for a life-saving AED, an automated external defibrillator used during sudden cardiac arrest.

Madeleine’s goal? To fund one AED for Hobson Street, benefitting the Thorndon community, and a second AED to gift to another school. Service club students in Years 5 to 9 fundraised out in the community and made resin pocket hugs and stone magnets to thank donors. “That project was about more than the money. We showed girls that their time and effort could literally help save lives.”

Madeleine’s leadership style is hands-on and inclusive – working with fellow prefects and younger students to embed service into everyday school life. From championing fundraising efforts for Relay for Life to partnering with our school charities Who Did You Help Today?, Embracing Hearts, and Wellington Free Ambulance, Madeleine’s opened doors for others to lead. “I hope students walk away knowing they can make a difference now, not just later.”

As Madeleine prepares to leave QMC, she’s focused on legacy: training younger students, sustaining the service clubs, and showcasing this year’s efforts at Open Day. “I want service to be something students are excited about. I hope they see it as a way to connect, lead, and uplift others.”

Donate to the AED fundraiser

Let Peace Be Among Us: Kia Tau te Rangimārie

“Random Acts of Crochet Kindness” is a social media group known for leaving handmade angels and other crocheted creations in public places for unsuspecting passersby to discover. Inspired by this idea, I began making crochet angels with a group of students during lunchtimes – our own small acts of kindness here at QMC. This gesture inspired our theme for the year: Peace – Rangimārie.

Many religions tell stories of angels. Angels, in the Bible and in everyday life, are messengers of peace. Their first words are often, “Do not be afraid.” They come to people in crisis, to Mary, the teenage mother-to-be, to Jacob, the troubled twin, bringing calm and clarity in chaos.

But angels don’t always appear with wings –sometimes they’re the steady hands behind the scenes. At the start of the year, I handed out the first of our crochet angels to Tony and Will from our Property Team, a symbol of gratitude for the peace they represent at QMC. They manage and maintain our campus and support every project with steady hands and calm dedication, creating the safe, welcoming environment in which our community thrives.

Their work reflects kaitiakitanga, the Māori principle of guardianship, and manaakitanga, generosity and care. These values show peace in action, lived out through connection, protection and hospitality.

How can we be angels to each other in our school community, our QUEENDOM?

In 2025, we are living in an anxious age. Our students are growing up in a culture shaped by uncertainty: from global crises to climate anxiety. Our world needs peace. Many of us know the Muslim greeting "salaam aleikum", meaning “peace be with you.” It is linked to the Hebrew word "shalom", which expresses a vision of right relationaships between people, nations, and creation. True peace, or hohou rongo, isn’t just personal serenity. It’s relational, requiring justice, reconciliation, and care for the world around us.

Peace often arrives not in grand political solutions, but in small, human moments through those who carry messages of hope, reassurance and kindness.

In a digitised and often fragmented environment, it’s easy to feel disconnected. But we can renew, restore and rebuild. Let’s choose connection, understanding and peace. So, look out for angels. Be an angel. Let peace begin with us – in our classrooms, our staffroom, and in our hearts.

Kia tau te rangimārie. Let peace be among us.

Rev Dr Deborah Wilson Chaplain

Finding Confidence and Community International Students at QMC

International Director at Queen Margaret College, Yiru Zhao, reflects on what makes our international community so special. It’s not just the globally recognised curriculum or our strong academic track record – it’s the people, the relationships, and the everyday moments of connection that truly set us apart.

QMC’s community is built on care. From the moment a student accepts their place, we begin preparing for their arrival. Online orientation, practical guidance, and personal check-ins are the foundation of their time here. Our buddy system pairs new students with both a domestic and international peer, so from day one (and even before), they know they are not alone.

A personal highlight of the year is watching our international community grow stronger and more vibrant. We welcomed 44 international students in Term 3, our highest number since COVID-19. Our boarding house is currently full, with a waitlist, and we’re thrilled to be opening our new Queen Margaret Residence (QMR) next year to create more space for the future. We were also proud to receive positive feedback about how we provide for international students from the Education Review Office, particularly around how confident and engaged our international students were during the review process.

The families who choose QMC often tell us they were drawn to the sense of safety and belonging here. That means a great deal to us. We take our role seriously, not just as educators, but as caretakers during a crucial chapter in a young person’s life. Whether students are here for a term or for several years, we want them to leave QMC not just with academic success, but with a sense of purpose, resilience, and confidence in who they are.

As we look ahead, our goal remains the same – to keep strengthening our international programme, not just in size, but in depth of care, quality of education, and the richness of the experiences we offer. Our international students are a valued part of the QMC whānau, and we are so proud of the unique perspectives and joy they bring to our school.

Yiru Zhao Director of International Students

International students Vanda Chungcharoen (Year 13), Ayoung Jang (Year 5), Miya Kashio (Year 9), and Nanami Kobayashi (Year 13) with Principal Jayne-Ann Young

Boarding: A Launchpad for Life

Discover Why Boarding

at QMC

is a Gamechanger for Students and Their Families

Boarding at Queen Margaret College offers students a home away from home and a launchpad for life. As Wellington’s only all-girls boarding school, QMC provides a secure, nurturing environment where academic focus meets personal growth. Our students flourish, gaining independence, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills in a vibrant, globally-minded and caring community. Our boarders become self-motivated and self-sufficient while honing empathy and confidence.

Located in the city’s safe and leafy Embassy Quarter, just 30 minutes from the airport, our campus is easily accessible for both international and domestic families. Boarders join us from across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, with growing numbers from the wider Wellington and Wairarapa regions choosing boarding to avoid long commutes and embrace more time for study, sport, volunteering and rest.

Whether families are travelling, living overseas, or seeking an easier rhythm, QMC boarding offers consistency care and connection. Our boarding house is a place where life runs smoothly, and where young women are supported to grow, lead and thrive.

We offer students in Years 7 to 13:

▶ a choice of three accommodation options, including Queen Margaret House (QMH), our luxury purpose-built boarding house; a progressive boarding pathway for students in Years 12 and 13 who want to practise living more independently at Queen Margaret Residence (QMR); and homestays where students live with and become part of a local family

▶ seven-day-a-week boarding in an environment that prioritises health, comfort, safety and care

▶ exceptional academic offerings and support for learning

▶ a variety of extra-curricular offerings including recreational and cultural activities, and access to the QMC gym, fitness centre, tennis court, dance studio, music practice rooms, outdoor recreational spaces and access to facilities including a swimming pool, local parks, a tennis and squash club, shops and cafes

▶ fully catered, varied, and nutritious meals from our healthy global menu with the option of self-catering for senior students

▶ experienced and dedicated 24/7 boarding staff and approved and trusted homestay families

▶ options tailored to your family's needs, including short-term boarding

Queen Margaret Residence (QMR)

A Stepping Stone to Life Beyond School

Opening in Term 1, 2026, Queen Margaret Residence (QMR) is Queen Margaret College’s latest innovation in boarding, purposefully designed for students in Years 12 and 13. Nestled within our secure campus, this beautifully restored character home bridges the gap between traditional boarding and independent living, preparing students for university and beyond.

QMR offers senior boarders a nurturing environment where they can grow in independence, resilience, and real-world readiness. Through supervised programmes and guided responsibilities, students practise essential life skills and cultivate authentic leadership – all while enjoying the warmth, structure, and community that define boarding at QMC.

Discover more

Discover more

A Second Home: QMC Boarders Reflect on How Boarding Has Shaped Their Lives

“As an international student, moving to a new country was scary at first, but Queen Margaret House (QMH) has made getting out of my comfort zone easy. The supportive community helped me develop life skills including time management, communication and responsibility, and with regular opportunities and activities, connection across year levels and cultures is natural.

On top of this, living at QMH allows me more time for study, sport and activities thanks to the convenience of living on campus and the staff who are always supportive and looking out for us.”

Student Co-Head of Boarding, Vanda Chungchareon, Year 13

“Although I live in Wellington, choosing to board at QMC has made a profoundly positive difference in my life. It has equipped me with skills that will benefit me in the future. I have become far more independent, responsible, and confident in managing my time. Without the pressure of commuting, I have been able to fully immerse myself in the things I am passionate about, such as service, leadership, and music, while still having space to rest and recharge.

What I value most about boarding is the strong sense of community. You are surrounded by people who are always there for you. Whether it is a late-night chat, a quiet study session, or just laughing together after a long day, everyone is supportive. It’s a truly special environment, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it."

Maddy Wilson, Year 13

"Boarding at QMC has been such a big part of helping me find balance between my schoolwork and tennis. As a student athlete, having the support and structure of boarding means I can manage my time well and stay on top of everything. It’s also given me independence, lifelong friendships, and the chance to be a leader as Co-Head of Boarding and Braemar House Prefect. I’m proud to be part of this QMC community."

Student Co-Head of Boarding, Emma Roberts, Year 13

“I

like boarding in Queen Margaret House because it feels like a second home. Boarding has helped me become more independent and confident.”

Molly Jones, Year 11

“I would never have talked to some of my best friends if I didn’t start boarding.”

Holly Sigvertsen, Year 10

Alum Sophia Gittings' Dazzling Debut Concert

A flicker of candlelight, a swell of applause –and a voice that stopped time. On 16 May, St Andrew’s on The Terrace was transformed for Sophia – The Debut Concert, a breathtaking evening that set the stage for a global career.

Soprano and 2024 graduate Sophia Gittings performed her first solo concert in front of a soldout audience, joined by special guests including celebrated bass-baritone Wade Kernot, cellist Sarah Zhou, pianist Karmen Zhou, and Queen Margaret College’s own premier choir, Voces Luce. Mark Stamper, Director of Choirs and renowned conductor and accompanist, expertly led the musical direction and movingly accompanied Sophia and the other performers. But the night was more than just a performance; it was a moment of emergence.

Described by Kernot as possessing a voice that is “an instrument of quality, quite unusual for someone of her age”, Sophia proved herself every bit the rising star, commanding the stage with poise, passion and grace. Her programme was eclectic, moving seamlessly from classical arias to contemporary works, earning ovations that lingered long after the final note.

Reflecting on the concert and the journey that led her there, Sophia shared, “This debut wasn’t just about performing. It was a celebration of everyone who had supported me to this point. I wouldn’t be here without their encouragement, or without the belief Queen Margaret College had in my dream.”

That belief has also translated into global opportunity. Sophia received multiple offers of study from leading conservatories across the USA, Australia, and the UK, including receiving scholarships to attend Royal College of Music in London and Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. She has chosen to attend the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA – an institution renowned for nurturing worldclass talent. There she will study under acclaimed teacher Rebecca Folsom. In July, Sophia was part of the New Zealand National Youth Choir at the

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, where the choir won the prestigious title of Choir of the World.

Back at her debut concert, in a heartfelt surprise following her final bow, Sophia was presented with a ceremonial cheque for $10,000, funds raised by the QMC community to support her overseas study. The audience response was electric, and Sophia’s gratitude palpable.

Sophia – The Debut Concert also marked the launch of Queen Margaret College’s fundraising campaign for a Creative Industries Centre as part of the Campus Master Plan 2025-2035. This ambitious initiative will equip future students across music, dance, drama, art, design and media with the tools and inspiration to follow in Sophia’s footsteps and pursue their craft to a world-class standard.

“Without the education and support I had, I don’t think I’d have received so many international offers”, Sophia said. “This concert was the beginning of something much bigger.” Her words reflect not only a milestone, but a mindset. From a six-year-old with a dream of singing, to a poised young artist standing at the threshold of a global career, Sophia’s debut did more than just showcase talent: it revealed the readiness, humility and heart of a star-in-the-making.

Sarah Zhou, Karmen Zhou, Sophia Gittings, Mark Stamper, Principal Jayne-Ann Young at Sophia – The Debut Concert

videos featuring 79 QMC students, bringing the song to life in bold, unexpected ways. The result? A celebration of voice, vision, and the strength of women rising, together.

A MESSAGE FROM COMPOSERS AND ARRANGERS

Watch the "What Happens When She Wears The Crown?" music videos! Watch the behindthe-scenes video!

Diana Lawrence of Artemisia

HORSE "ROCKY"

What I loved most about this project was watching how each girl brought her own energy to the performance. Their individuality really shines through, but so does their sense of sisterhood. That collective spirit of uplifting one another is what makes this film, and this school, so special. It was such a joy to work on something that felt so fresh and unexpected.”

OLD GIRLS ON THE

Director Charlotte Evans

Mana-Enhancing Wellbeing Education Empowering Students Through Emotional Intelligence

Māku ngā tāngata e tautoko ki taku taha, māku ngā tāngata e manaaki ki muri nei. I will support those by my side, I will protect those behind me.

– Whakatauākī gifted

to QMC by

Whaea Tiana Edmonds in 2022

At Queen Margaret College, wellbeing is not an add-on; it is foundational to who we are and how we learn. Our new Mana-Enhancing Wellbeing Education programme builds on this foundation, embedding emotional intelligence and hauora into the heart of our students’ educational journey.

Guided by our school values, underpinned by our whakatauākī o te kura, and grounded in the QMC Hauora Model, this programme nurtures the aspects of wellbeing: tinana (physical), wairua (spiritual), whānau (social) and hinengaro (mental and emotional). It is designed to help students recognise and regulate their emotions, build resilience, and develop empathy, all while strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.

The programme’s mission is to uplift each student’s mana, their personal essence and what makes them who they are as individuals, by encouraging them to acknowledge their unique qualities, live by our school values, and prioritise their wellbeing. Through weekly sessions led by tutor teachers, students engage in culturally responsive learning experiences that promote self-reflection, emotional awareness, and proactive wellbeing strategies.

Emotional intelligence is our end goal, where students have learnt to manage their emotions, understand others, and respond to challenges with optimism and confidence. This will also be supported by our Empowered Matrix. This soon to be released framework outlines the skills and understanding students are expected to develop throughout the programme.

Our approach remains proactive. We aim to build a culture where wellbeing is visible, valued and practised. By integrating positive psychology, student voice, and culturally sustaining practices, we are creating a space where every learner feels seen, supported and empowered.

As we grow this initiative, our next steps include continuing to elevate our culturally responsive opportunities, establishing our future-focused wellbeing toolkit, and launching student leadership pathways through the Hauora Mentor programme.

Mana-Enhancing Wellbeing Education is more than a programme – it’s a commitment to nurturing the whole person, preparing our students not just to succeed, but to bloom.

Fiona Crawford Deputy Principal Wellbeing

Ranginui Future Aspirations

QMC Hauora Model

Watch It Happen in

LEARNING

From Kaupapa to Karakia A

Day in 10CL Learning Through the Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Period 1 – Evelyn and Holly in Japanese

The day begins with “Tatte kudasai” and a bow, setting the tone of wairuatanga (spiritual culture) in Japanese class. Evelyn, faced with a writing assessment, mutters “Kirai desu” but embodies the International Baccalaureate attribute of pākīkī (inquirer) as she pushes through with resilience. Holly embraces the challenge with whakaaro whānui (open-mindedness), carefully applying research and language skills. With Daiji-sensei’s guidance, both girls practice communication through “Shumi wa nandesuka?” and demonstrate collaborative learning. Period 1 captures the essence of trying, failing, laughing and learning.

Period 2 – Wendy in Science

Mr Xiao’s question – “Balanced or unbalanced?” – sparks curiosity. Wendy leans into whaiwhakaaro (critical thinking), drawing on prior knowledge to assess the motionless box scenario. She exhibits the learner profile of being a thinker, connecting concepts across units, refining her understanding, and she determines that the forces are indeed balanced. Inquiry-driven approaches reflect the Middle Years Programme’s (MYP) concept-based learning, encouraging students to make links across subjects and the world around them.

Tutor Time – Maria

Maria reflects on her Kaupapa Hapori project, aiming to fundraise for toys at Wellington Hospital: “I decided to do it alone … sigh.” She soon discovers that Bunnings requires a massive 20kg of sausages and 13kg of onions for the fundraiser. Despite the sausage-sized setback, Maria exemplifies manaakitanga (caring) and māia (courage), using research and problem-solving skills to bring her vision to life. Her journey embodies kaitiakitanga, a sense of guardianship towards her community.

Period 3 – Ellie in Physical and Health Education

Physical and Health Education is Ellie’s favourite –a class full of energy, laughter, and occasionally forgotten PE gear. Whether playing invasion games or leading cheer routines, she displays the learner profile of being balanced, managing her time, gear, and energy with surprising efficiency. Through games and movement, she develops whaiaro (selfmanagement) and interpersonal skills that extend beyond Hobson Gym.

Period 4 – Lucy B in Product Design

After weeks of trial and error, Lucy prints her flower lamp on bamboo veneer. Guided by whakaaroaro (reflection), she revisits Dieter Rams’ principles and adjusts her design, proving that design thinking is iterative and rewarding. As the laser cutter finishes, Ms Le Prou leads a karakia, a moment of gratitude before kai. Lucy’s persistence and willingness to reflect showcase the MYP’s values of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.

Period 5 – Selina in

Mathematics

Mathematics class means assessment day. Selina looks around. Panic is in the air, but she remains calm. With formula sheet in hand and matatau (knowledge) in mind, she navigates the problems using whaiaro whakahaere (self-management). Ms Marrero provides quiet reassurance, and the class leans into the learner profile of being principled, showing integrity even under pressure.

Period 6 – Addy in Language &

Literature

Addy is giving a speech on sport, despite not being sporty. Her hands are shaking, knees knocking. Yet, she channels her āta wānanga (communicator) strength, delivering with humour and flair. “I nearly laughed the whole way through”, she admits. As

Queen’s Edge is an after-school extracurricular programme designed especially for Years 7–9 – a place where curiosity leads and confidence grows. Each term offers

decorating to karate, ballroom dancing to volunteering. Led by passionate experts, it builds life skills and sparks exploration. Get the edge!

Business in the Big Apple

Sophie Parker, Year 13, gives us the inside scoop on the Year 12 and 13 Business and Economic Students’ Trip to New York City.

This April holidays, a group of Year 12 and 13 NCEA and International Baccalaureate (IB) Business and Economics students went on the trip of a lifetime to New York City. This incredible journey began as a student-led initiative, proposed to staff by a group of passionate Year 13 NCEA Business Studies girls who wanted to explore the business capital of the world. What started as an ambitious dream quickly turned into reality – moving from the classroom to the Head of Business, then to the Board. Before we knew it, we were booked for two weeks in NYC, a testament to QMC’s commitment to providing learning opportunities for students.

The experience was unforgettable. After a 24-hour journey, we arrived in the “Big Apple”, staying in an unbeatable location on 46th Street, just two minutes from Times Square. Over the course of the trip, we were involved in a wide range of inspiring business and cultural experiences. To name a few, we visited innovation hubs, attended entrepreneurial workshops at an American high school, and toured the Federal Reserve Bank.

One of my personal business highlights was getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the Starbucks headquarters in the Empire State Building. We heard from various team members, including the Head of Operations, human resources, architecture, technology, and more. We gained valuable insight into how each area of this multimilliondollar company operated (the free Starbucks refreshers, pizza and exclusive merchandise were an added bonus!).

Another standout was our visit to Paul, Weiss – one of the largest law firms in New York. It was incredible to see a firm of that scale with a full restaurant in the middle of the office! They shared compelling insights into the multi-billion dollar deals they were working on, including Meta vs. Snapchat. Meeting a female partner at the firm who is originally from New Zealand was particularly inspiring and left a lasting impression on many of us.

Beyond the invaluable business learning, sharing this trip with some of my closest friends during our final year of school made it even more special. We made sure to make the most of it, spending our days attending Broadway shows, shopping on Fifth Avenue and in SoHo, taking in Times Square at midnight, seeing The Starry Night at the Museum of Modern Art, riding the subway, and trying American food staples like Raising Cane’s and Crumbl Cookies.

I cannot speak more highly of this trip and would absolutely recommend it to all future Year 12 and 13 Business Studies students. We learnt so much, made lifelong memories, and ticked off a major bucket-list destination – all during a fascinating time to be studying the global economy, with real-world change unfolding around us.

On behalf of the New York crew, we owe a huge thank you to Mr Hardy and Ms Payne for their outstanding efforts, energy and time in making this trip happen. Their organisation, support, and sense of fun truly made this experience what it was.

Sophie Parker, Year 13

QMC Graduates Top Results, Scholarships and Global Offers

At Queen Margaret College, students are prepared not just to enter the world’s leading universities and learning environments, but to thrive within them and beyond. In 2024, our graduates demonstrated this readiness through remarkable academic results, extraordinary scholarship success, and purposeful ambition.

IBDP and NCEA Results

Our dual pathway approach, offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and NCEA, supports diverse learner goals. In 2024, QMC students performed well above global benchmarks. IB results saw 71% score at or above the world average, with an average of 33 points – four above the global norm. With 21% of our students achieving 40 points or more, placing them among the top 10% globally. NCEA results reflected similar strength, with a 100% pass rate across all levels, and over 80% of students earning Merit or Excellence endorsements.

Offers to Prestigious Universities and Specialist Institutions

The class of 2024 stepped into their next chapters with both distinction and choice. Most received multiple university offers, including from institutions consistently ranked among the world’s best – such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Toronto, the University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, and New York University (NYU). In recent years, QMC students have also gained admission to Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Our 2024 graduates were also accepted into elite specialist schools in music, dance, fashion, and design, including Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA; the Royal Northern College of Music in both London and Manchester; Sydney Dance Company; and the New School’s Parsons School of Design in NYC.

For international families focused on university access, our results speak volumes. For New Zealand families seeking holistic development, our mission is equally clear: QMC nurtures young people to become their best selves, whether in lecture halls, laboratories, creative studios or global leadership roles.

Scholarship Success

These outcomes reflect more than academic rigour; they highlight the strength of character, resilience and purpose that define a QMC graduate. International and domestic university recruiters repeatedly praise QMC students as well-rounded, community-minded, intellectually curious and purpose-driven. In 2024, 38% of Year 13 students received domestic scholarships totalling $373,000. A further 8% were awarded international scholarships worth over $5.3 million.

Readiness for an Ever-Changing World

Rooted in the IB Learner Profile and our Strategic Plan 2025–2028, QMC continues to nurture academic, emotional, social, digital, and leadership intelligences. Our graduates step into a complex world as passionate learners, ethical decisionmakers, and resilient wāhine – ready not only to succeed, but to lead with purpose.

2024 graduates (from left to right) Divya Srinivasa, Lucie Wells and Niamh Speir

Reaching for the Stars: Audrey Kung Shines on International Physics Stage

From early stargazer to global contender – Audrey’s passion for physics is propelling her forward.

Following months of rigorous preparation, Year 13 student Audrey Kung competed as part of the New Zealand team at the International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) in Sweden this winter, returning home with a honourable mention. Among 36 global teams, New Zealand placed 19th overall – earning the top score within the honourable mention bracket and placing above teams from Australia, the USA, and the UK. They were one of the highest-ranking teams from the Southern Hemisphere, just shy of a bronze.

Audrey was competing against a constellation of the world’s brightest and most advanced high school physicists – making the team’s achievement all the more impressive.

Her selection followed standout performances in the New Zealand Young Physicists’ Tournament (NZYPT), where she and teammates Yovela Li and Teija Joronen placed third nationally. Audrey’s efforts secured her a spot among 12 shortlisted candidates and ultimately a place on the fivemember team representing Aotearoa New Zealand – the only competitor from Wellington, and the first QMC student to reach this level.

She credits physics teacher and mentor Kent Hogan and Year 13 classmate Renee Heatherington for their unwavering support. Behind every rising star are mentors who help illuminate the path – and together, the trio spent countless hours conducting experiments and gathering data in preparation for the competition. “I couldn’t have done it without them”, Audrey says.

Competing on the world stage expanded Audrey’s insight into both the discipline and herself. “The journey of exploring physics is challenging yet rewarding”, she reflects. “It yields a more profound appreciation of the universe.”

Audrey’s passion for space began at age four, and she continues to lay the foundations for a career in astrophysics. With IYPT now part of her story –and her sights still set on a PhD – she’s turning early fascination into focused ambition, charting a steady course toward the stars, one achievement at a time.

“ T he journey of exploring physics is challenging yet rewarding”

– Audrey Kung

CREATIVE WRITING

Unsalted Soup

sauté onion

4 cups of vegetable broth

My island has always watched out for me. I viewed it like the mother I once had. Ever since I was little, she would whisper her song in the waves that methodically brushed the shore. Her tall palm tree limbs would shield me from the sun on sticky hot days where the plump juicy fruits and fish of her loom transformed me from childhood to adolescence. She would hold me in reliable embrace sunrise to sunset, browning my skin and strengthening my muscles with each climb up her rolling back to watch the early morning fishing boats silently sail through the reef. I loved her like any child would love a mother, a quiet but steady admiration for the countless gifts of life she blessed me with.

add mushrooms (1/2 cup)

I had never seen her angry, the island I mean. Sometimes she would cry, her tears trickling down valleys, accompanied by a sharp breath of wind reminding us of her exasperation when too much of the land was cleared for farms or thick plumes of smoke choked the tropical air. Yet, when I rose with the sun and the song of the birds, the island's familiar charm renewed with a blank blue canvas above, previous fresh rain having blessed farmers with nothing but nourishment for their crops.

stir at medium heat splash of avocado oil

With time, more of the tall leafy trees were chopped down or burned away. When the clouds formed slowly, painting the sky greyer with each passing tick of the clock, we weren't prepared. Forests turned flat, farms offered no protection, nor did the mainland show any support. I saw her throw herself against the shore, ripping apart coastlines, greedily stealing back pieces of our beloved beaches into the churning sea, just as we had stolen the green that once blanketed the land. I heard her screaming as gusty winds tore away our roofs, smashed windows, and toppled power lines. The sheer destruction caused something of an epiphany. There was no winning against the wrath of mother nature. A person is powerless against a hurricane.

simmer

The people of the island drowned in the sorrow that flooded homes and roads. Even when cowering under the table, it gushed over me with every raindrop that leaked through new cracks in the ceiling.

add diced carrots (3/4 cup) stir vigorously

Where is home in the wake of such a catastrophic hurricane? The island now sits still. Any maternal affinity I had to her – to it, feels crushed. The clock on the wall has stopped, freezing me with it as I grieve something that will take decades to rebuild and recover. But still, my ears strain to hear the familiar whisper of life from my island, searching for its comforting embrace.

"You're missing the salt."

Salt doesn't really feel majorly important right now. Dad's voice calls back to the kitchen where the ladle sits stationary in the soup.

add seasoning a pinch of salt (step 2)

He scolds me for allowing myself to be swept away from my task, allowing myself to indulge not in the sad vegetable broth on the stove that we're eating for the fourth time this week, but in what was once a paradisal life. One filled with love and the once lifelong certainty that my mother – my motherland would protect me.

1/4 cup of cream 6 chives

1.2.3.4.5.6 they sink to the steel bottom.

I replace the cream with water, the thought of the milkman trying to battle his way past fallen trees, piles of mud, and roads turned rivers almost makes me laugh. Peeking through a hole in one of the makeshift duct-taped windows up towards the inky dark sky, I picture myself similarly to a star but cosmically out of balance. It falls through the endless galaxy unsure of its fate, a cataclysmal implosion of emotion imminent.

stir take it off the heat and serve

I set the pot down and we sit down to eat, perhaps for the last time at this table. Dad talks of his hope for a new life somewhere else, raving on about the prospect of city life an ocean away. It's clear the hurricane was finally the excuse he needs to justify leaving the island. This place we once called home appears to be as dead to him as my own mother is. There's no reason to hold on and clutch at every last thread of memory that seems to unravel faster at my feet each day. The rustic wood walls clad with faded blue curtains that define my whole story serve only as another chapter in my father's life, a turn of a page even.

He smiles through vegetable infused steam. I frown. A tangled knot of words dancing in my throat.

Everything unsaid only deepens the unsalted ocean between us.

Elsie Rumball-Smith Year 11

DUKE

students from Years 11 to 13 are involved. That is more than half of all eligible students. By comparison, the national average is closer to one in ten. This is not only a remarkable number, but also a clear sign of a school culture where embracing challenge is the norm, and personal growth happens every day.

Among these 160 participants, 90 are working towards Bronze, 45 towards Silver, and 25 are tackling the challenge of Gold. Nationally, fewer than three per cent of participants reach Gold before leaving school, and in 2024, two QMC students achieved this milestone. Their success speaks volumes about their dedication and the strong support systems within the College.

What happens when service becomes more than a mere checkbox? At QMC, voluntary service is a core value that goes beyond requirement. It is woven into everyday life and reflected in the International Baccalaureate curriculum through programmes such as creativity, activity, service, and the Primary

Years Programme Exhibition. The Duke of Edinburgh Award naturally extends these acts of generosity, building on the meaningful contributions that are already part of the College’s spirit.

All participants complete challenging outdoor expeditions as part of their Award. This year, Bronze students undertook practice tramps in the Tararua Ranges, while Silver and Gold participants faced longer journeys to Lake Waikaremoana and the Abel Tasman Track. These expeditions demand preparation, teamwork, resilience and support. Thanks go to staff members Adrian Hardy, Camille Le Prou, Coralie Morrison, and Tim Noble who join these journeys to guide and encourage ākonga.

The Award’s impact stretches far beyond the bush. Every student commits to regular activities in skills, voluntary service, and physical recreation. The Skills section, for example, encourages students to discover and grow their talents, whether that means learning an instrument, developing computer skills, exploring photography, or learning to drive. It is a chance to become a well-rounded individual with confidence, the kind of person who is increasingly valued by universities and employers.

So, what truly happens when service, commitment, and courage meet real-world action? At Queen Margaret College, it creates more than just award recipients. It shapes capable, thoughtful leaders ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Shon MacLeod Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

Watch It Happen in SPORT

International Success QMC Athletes on the World Stage

What happens when passion meets opportunity? Across a range of sports, our students are showing that the sky is the limit as they compete on the world stage and set new records.

Remarkable achievements like competing nationally or internationally are a testament to what’s possible with the right support, ambition and QMC spirit. We are proud to celebrate the success of our young athletes, and to continue empowering students to dream big, work hard, and shine on every stage, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Take a look at some of our sporting stars whose success shows what’s possible at QMC.

Pippa Taylor (Year 12) has made an extraordinary impact on New Zealand’s shooting scene. At her debut at the New Zealand Outdoor Nationals, she was selected for every representative team she trialled for, including the elite Wakefield, Slazenger, and Randle teams. She also captained both the Junior and Junior Women’s teams. Pippa led the North Island to victory in the Junior Island match, claimed the Top Junior and Top Women’s Shooter trophies, and set national records with scores of 400.26 and 699.26. Her achievements earned her Silver Fern Pockets for both junior and women’s representation, an unprecedented double honour. Having achieved the minimum qualifying score for the World Championships, Pippa now awaits final selection.

Greer Wilson (Year 13) made her mark on the international football scene as part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Under 18 Girls’ Team. Competing at the Dallas Cup in Texas, Greer helped her team make history by reaching the semi-finals, going undefeated in group play without conceding a goal. Greer is also Captain of Capital Football U18 Girls Team competing in the Youth National League and was selected for the Capital Football Women in Leadership programme at the end of 2024. Beyond football, she was named College Sport Wellington’s Futsal Player of the Year 2024. She is a member for the second year in a row in the Capital Futsal Women’s Team playing in the Futsal SuperLeague Championship and was the youngest player selected for Wellington in the final series squad.

Iley Nunns Mountain Biking

Iley Nunns (Year 13) is proving herself a powerhouse in New Zealand mountain biking. At the National Enduro Championships, she braved scorching conditions and 2100m of climbing over eight stages to finish second in the Under 19 Elite Enduro, just 13 seconds off the win. This outstanding result secured Iley a place representing New Zealand at both the World Enduro Series in Europe and the World Championships in Switzerland in September. Adding to her achievements, she placed fifth at the New Zealand Downhill Champs in Rotorua, showing her strength across disciplines.

Young Golfers Make History With Championship Wins

QMC has become the one to beat on the greens thanks to the exceptional talents of Year 8 students Elise Barber and Amy Yu.

At the 2025 College Sport Wellington Championships, Elise shot an impressive 72 to win the Girls Best Gross score, while Amy followed closely with a 73 to take out the Girls Best Net score. With an adjusted combined score of 141, the pair secured the overall trophy. This was the first time QMC has won the trophy since joining the competition in 1980.

This milestone is just the latest in a series of outstanding achievements for both golfers. Elise has had a phenomenal season, winning the Australian Junior Age Division Championship (Girls 11–12), placing second in the New Zealand Women’s Stroke Play Championship – holding her own against seasoned adult golfers – and helping Wellington secure third at the New Zealand Women’s Interprovincial Tournament. She also won the Wellington District Women’s 36-hole Strokeplay and the Wellington Girls’ U19 Age Grade Championships.

Amy’s accomplishments are equally remarkable. She was crowned champion at both the US Kids Golf NZ Championship and the FCG North Island NZ Open, earning her place at two prestigious world events in USA this year. She’s also set to represent New Zealand at the Uswing Mojing Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego.

Alongside champions Elise and Amy, the future of golf at QMC is in exceptional hands. Year 6 student Ally Yu – Amy’s younger sister – is already stepping confidently onto the international green, qualifying for the FCG Callaway World Junior Golf Championship after placing second at the FCG North Island NZ Open.

These three golfers are teeing up a new era for golf at QMC – and the fairway ahead is fresh-cut and full of promise.

Amy and Ally Yu at the FCG North Island New Zealand Open

Elise Barber after winning the 2025 Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship (Girls 11–12)

Amy Yu after winning the US Kids New Zealand Championship 2024 (Girls 11–12) qualifying for the 2025 US Kids World Championship, Pinehurst, USA

Making Waves With RecordBreaking Rowing Season

The rowing programme continues to go from strength to strength, delivering standout results across the 2025 season. At the prestigious Maadi Cup, QMC rowers made history with a recordbreaking seven A-Final appearances, the most ever for the school, surpassing the previous best of five. From Under 15 to Under 18 events, crews consistently delivered impressive performances, helping QMC rank as the fifth-equal best girls’ school in Aotearoa New Zealand for A-Final qualifications.

Earlier in the season, the North Island Secondary School Championships saw the squad achieve nine A Finals, another personal best, along with three B Finals and three C Finals. QMC placed eighth overall on the medal table out of 86 schools, and was the top Wellington school at the regatta, with standout results in the Under 15 and Under 16 coxed events.

Back at home, the team dominated the Wellington Schools Championship, winning six gold medals, and securing their position as the top-ranked girls’ school in the region.

With strength across all year levels and a culture of dedication, teamwork, and grit, rowing at QMC is thriving. These results are a testament to the calibre of the programme, the support and coaching team and the incredible athletes driving it forward.

Alexi Dykes, Lauren Carr, Rosemary (Team Bus Driver), Imogen Parker, Billie Every-Palmer and Lucy Gittings at the North Island Club Championships

Lauren Carr and Emma Tohill with the 2025 Maadi banner

Lucy Gittings and Billie Every-Palmer competing in the U16 double sculls at Maadi

ATHLETICS DAY

Every year our school comes together for Athletics Day to run, jump, and throw our way to house points and individual success. Check out some of the top scorers from 2025!

The Swimming Sports are a highlight of our annual calendar, with students making their way into the water instead of the field for house points and individual success. Take a look at our top placed swimmers in 2025!

SWIMMING SPORTS

QMC Alum Ajah Pritchard-Lolo lifts Vanuatu higher – and empowers a new generation of leaders

Strength isn’t just built in muscle – it’s forged in will. And weightlifter Ajah Pritchard-Lolo lifts with both. On and off the platform, she shows strength is also personal. Ajah is pushing boundaries in Vanuatu sport and building momentum – not just for herself, but for the women and communities rising alongside her.

Ajah didn’t grow up lifting barbells – in fact, she only discovered weightlifting five years ago through CrossFit during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I loved how strong I felt”, she says. “And how empowered.”

That discovery catapulted her into history. In 2022, she represented Vanuatu at the Commonwealth Games. Two years later, glitter on her cheeks and joy in her stride, she became the first Olympic weightlifter – male or female – from Vanuatu, competing on the world’s biggest stage in Paris. “I am an Olympian”, she wrote in her journal the night before. “I love this sport. I’m better than I’ve ever been because of it.”

But the Olympic stage wasn’t her finish line. In July, Ajah earned three silver medals at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau – the first step toward Glasgow 2026 and the LA 2028 Olympics. “The medals were the cherry on top”, she says. “The real win was showing I could perform under pressure.”

Training and living in New Zealand, Ajah continues to lift others. As President of the Vanuatu Athletes’ Commission, she leads workshops on anti-doping and competition integrity, advocating for athlete rights and recognition. “Support matters – and visibility matters”, she says.

She’s also a champion for Pasifika women in sport. “I’m Samoan, I’m Kiwi, and I represent Vanuatu. When I step onto the platform, I want young girls to see someone like them – and know they belong.” Being seen as brave, strong, and fearless, she says, “motivates me”.

At Queen Margaret College, where Ajah was Cultural Prefect in 2020, she’s remembered for her humility and drive – qualities that continue to ripple outward. “You do belong here”, she tells young

Ajah with Year 6 students in 2024 after presenting at the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition

ARTS & CULTURE Watch It Happen in

Merata Mita by Ziya Omar,

Brings the Stage to Life

Energy, talent and pure joy – the 2025 senior production High School Musical raised the bar once again for performing arts at QMC. With outstanding direction, set design, choreography and student talent, the show had all the sparkle of a professional performance. The production was directed by industry veteran Julie O’Brien, with musical direction by QMC’s Mark Stamper, choreography by dance professional Molly Gare, and with overarching support from Head of Arts Tim Jenkin. The team brought East High to life through catchy musical numbers, dynamic movement and heartfelt performances.

The standout cast was led by QMC students Chloe Consedine (Gabriella) and Addy Stone (Sharpay), with the lead male roles of Troy and Ryan played by Aidan Fitzgerald and Finn Caldwell, who joined the cast following a call-out to local colleges across Wellington.

Four sold-out shows and four standing ovations –the cast delivered an epic run that left audiences singing all the way home. In the words of the show’s high-spirited duet, the performance had the crowd "Bop the Top", a testament to the energy, talent and infectious joy of our incredible performers.

Front-of-house, the community effort was just as impressive. The experience came to life thanks to an extraordinary ensemble – from Chef Steph and the QMC Catering Team keeping the audience fed; to QMC parent Lucas Monge from Del Mundo, who curated and served a themed wine and beer menu; Student Ambassadors, Prefects, Junior School helpers, staff; and tireless parent supporters added to the spirit, truly embodying the lyrics of the showstopper number "We’re All in This Together".

At QMC, the arts are deeply embedded in school life. They are not an optional extra; they are essential to helping students discover who they are and how they want to express themselves. Productions like High School Musical are a testament to the calibre of the performing arts programme and the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence and collaboration.

Our strength in the arts is something we're proud of, and we're continuing to invest in it with Phase 1 of our Campus Master Plan – transforming the Old Gym into a Creative Industries Centre. This vibrant new space will be a hub for art, design, media, dance, drama and music, ensuring we can keep creating bold, high-calibre experiences that celebrate arts and culture for years to come.

Addison Stone as Sharpay

The cast of High School Musical performing as the East High cheerleaders

The cast of High School Musical

Chloe Consedine as Gabriella

Chloe Consedine, Addison Stone and Meredith Williams performing

The cast of High School Musical performing "We're All in This Together"

QMC Choirs Continue to Raise the Tempo Recording With Impact

A stamp, a click – and the first note rose. In the hush of Massey University’s world-class recording studio, the 35 members of Voces Luce – QMC’s auditioned senior choir – found their mark with quiet poise and concentrated energy. Their voices rose in powerful unity, filling the space with "What Happens When a Woman?" – a bold anthem of female strength, composed by Alexandra Olsavsky, arranged by American trio Artemisia, and adapted in collaboration with Mark Stamper, Director of Choirs, and the singers themselves.

But this wasn’t a rehearsal. Unlike the choir rooms and public performances they know well, Voces Luce were laying down the professional soundtrack for "What Happens When She Wears The Crown?" –a series of music videos released across television, social media, and cinema, celebrating the spirit and ambition of a QMC education.

Faced with a high-pressure studio setting, the students took on a challenge few teenagers encounter: performing to industry standard, in real time. With headphones on and the red light glowing, they mastered microphone technique, timing cues, and multi-track layering – repeating takes and refining phrasing to balance technical precision with emotional depth.

Guided by Stamper and Massey University Senior Sound Engineer Mike Gibson (whose recent recordings include the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and L.A.B.), Voces Luce rose to meet the moment. QMC Old Girl Ursula Scott, a former Voces Luce member and 2022 graduate, supported the recording as sound technician. Now a sound engineering student at Massey University, Ursula linked past and present with gentle care and pride. In just hours, Voces Luces moved beyond

school-level performance – sharpening their craft, embracing the discipline, and stepping into professional-level musicianship.

Weeks later, the momentum continued at The Big Sing, Aotearoa New Zealand’s national choral festival. At the Michael Fowler Centre, QMC’s auditioned choirs shared the stage with top ensembles from across the Wellington region. Voces Luce once again qualified for the National Finale, reaffirming their elite standing. Jubilate – QMC’s rising choir of Year 9 and 10 students – earned a place in Cadenza for the second year running, a rewarding testament to their musical maturity and promise.

From technical finesse to expressive presence, both choirs delivered performances that echoed with confidence, cohesion and heart. Whether layering tracks in the studio or lifting voices in a packed concert hall, QMC students continue to evolve with commitment, creativity and collective strength.

Now anticipation builds for The Big Sing Finale and Cadenza in August –where Voces Luce and Jubilate will carry QMC’s voice onto the national stage, bold and clear.

Voces Luce soloist Millie Williams at the recording studio

Literary Legacy Finds Its Rightful Place

Books, Belonging, and the Creative Heart of Thorndon

“How

hard it is to escape from places. However carefully one goes they hold you – you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences – little rags and shreds of your very life.” – Katherine Mansfield

In Thorndon – where traces of renowned short story writer Katherine Mansfield’s childhood remain stitched into street corners and memory – Queen Margaret College has received a deeply meaningful gift. Just steps from her birthplace, the College now holds a collection of more than 100 books by and about Mansfield, entrusted from the personal library of the late Sir Vincent O’Sullivan.

The gift carries a poignant symmetry. Sir Vincent –poet, playwright, biographer, and one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most distinguished literary scholars – devoted decades to Mansfield’s work, editing her Collected Letters and shaping how she is read and understood today. That his Mansfield collection now resides in Thorndon, among the very streets she once immortalised, feels both fitting and poetic.

“Vincent would have loved the idea of these books being housed in Thorndon. It couldn’t be more appropriate”, reflects his wife, Helen O’Sullivan, whose support – alongside that of his son, Professor Dominic O’Sullivan – made the gift possible.

The books will be housed in the Queen Margaret College Senior Girls’ Library in a bespoke display unit generously funded by the Old Girls’ Association through the Brenda Willis Trust. Designed to harmonise with the library’s recent fit-out, the space invites students and scholars alike to read, reflect and explore.

To mark the occasion, acclaimed alumna and writer Kirsty Gunn (third-form class of 1974) will return to the College from the UK to present a specially commissioned essay. A celebrated novelist, essayist and professor of creative writing, Kirsty’s own work My Katherine Mansfield Project explores the landscape of Thorndon and its influence on both Mansfield and her own creative journey – tracing footsteps, memory and belonging.

“It’s lovely to think of Vincent’s books being here in Thorndon ... the legacy of two of New Zealand’s finest writers finding expression amongst the library shelves in the beautiful academic and creative world of a truly inspirational College”, writes Kirsty.

Her essay – a tribute to reading, creativity, the College’s library, and the literary legacy carried forward through Sir Vincent’s gift – will be housed alongside the collection. It quietly echoes Mansfield’s love for libraries and situates Queen Margaret College within a landscape that commemorates her enduring contribution to literature. Just across from the Junior School lies Katherine Mansfield Park; a short walk away stands the Katherine Mansfield House and Garden – her birthplace, now a museum and literary venue, and nearby, the Alexander Turnbull Library holds the world’s largest collection of Mansfield materials.

Principal Jayne-Ann Young shares, “We are honoured to continue Thorndon’s literary legacy and be the home of Sir Vincent O’Sullivan’s Mansfield collection. Our library offers a space where these volumes will not only be remembered and revered, but will also serve as a living resource – something that will inspire our students, spark curiosity, and deepen their appreciation for New Zealand literature. We are grateful beyond measure for this extraordinary generosity.”

As the College prepares to welcome Kirsty and Vincent’s family for a special literary opening, there is a gentle sense of legacy returning to place – not to rest, but to inspire.

Would you like to be part of this special moment?

To attend the opening or receive a copy of Kirsty Gunn’s commemorative essay, please email Alumni Director Jane Ball: alumni@qmc.school.nz

Meet the HEROES VISUAL ARTS

Year 1 and 2 Art

Students encounter rich opportunities to develop their visual art skills through our transdisciplinary lens within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB affirms that the arts are a central component of the PYP, acting as a dynamic form of expression where students investigate identity and build insight into the world around them. Engaging with the arts, both as learners and creators, is crucial to nurturing the whole child, fostering imagination, analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and meaningful social connections. Artistic exploration supports inquiry-based learning, inviting students into an ongoing cycle of discovery, expression and reflection.

Victoria Norman

Jessica Chen

Amelia Zhu

YEAR 1

Selina Tusitala Marsh by Hazel Jeffreys

Brianna Fruean by Holly Sigvertse

Queen Nga wai hono i te po by Iona Jennings

Taika Waititi by Frida Beltran Guerra

Rangi Topeora by Samantha Xu

Inspired by the illustrated book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Year 10 students explored Eric Carle’s iconic collage style to create portraits. Originally created by cutting and layering handpainted tissue, the students gave the style a sustainable twist by using inked, recycled magazine paper. Each portrait honours a New Zealand role model who is Māori or Pasifika, bringing their appearance to life through bold choices, rich textures, and a process that embraces imperfection. The result: vibrant, joyful artworks that celebrate identity and creativity.

Top Art Honours for Niamh Speir, 2024 Graduate

The NCEA photography portfolio created by 2024 graduate Niamh Speir has been recognised by NZQA as a national 2025 Top Art Photography portfolio. The work, titled "Penance", explores themes of serenity, suppression and isolation across three panels, offering a personal reflection on the complexities of religion. Niamh was also chosen to exhibit at the NZ Hyundai Emerging Artist Award during the NZ Art Show at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena, where her piece was purchased.

Saarthi Tataria

Victoria Singh

Aviya Wu

YEAR 2

"Penance" by Niamh Speir

School Profile Class of 2024 – Degree Disciplines

School Roll

• Music • Environment and Society

• Criminology

• Concept Design

• Global Studies

• Midwifery

International Baccalaureate (IB) and NCEA

We teach the IB Programme for Years 1–13, which consists of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Our purposefully designed ELEVATE Year 11 learning model empowers ākonga to gain a full NCEA Level 1 qualification while preparing them for NCEA Level 2 Certificate and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from Year 12.

QMC Results

• Architecture

• Sport

Arts • History • Te Reo Māori • Dance

Our students have consistently attained outstanding results across both the NCEA and IB Diploma Programme. These results are a testament to our dedication to providing leading education for over 106 years.

Our History

Queen Margaret College opened its doors on 19 February 1919 with 53 pupils. Our Scottish Presbyterian founders, the Hon John Aitken and the Rev Dr James Gibb, had a resolute belief in girls’ education. The College’s original purpose was to provide a sound intellectual and moral education for girls and to build strong character on a broad religious basis. Today, we continue to deliver an enriching, holistic education that emphasises community service and raises awareness of the needs of others.

Our Community

The QMC experience is underlined by a strong connection between students, staff and the wider school community. Whether that connection is found inside or outside the classroom, through mentorship or friendship, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment where each individual is valued and heard.

Wellbeing

Our Mana-Enhancing Wellbeing Education programme helps our students develop emotional intelligence and practise strategies to measure and understand their wellbeing. This is guided by our QMC Hauora Model and builds on our values to empower everyone at QMC to approach challenges with optimism and resilience.

Our Students

As an IB World School we are expanding the perspectives of our students. The curriculum we teach across all year groups promotes multilingualism, intercultural understanding and global engagement. We invite every student to think critically, speak up and challenge the status quo. With our learners at the heart of every decision, we cultivate a supportive environment that encourages questioning, collaboration and participation.

Extra-Curricular

Our students have access to a first-class sport and cultural programme with over 25 sport options. Our performance and participation pathway caters for every students’ ability. Our performing arts opportunities include major productions, house performing arts, choirs, instrumental ensembles, a Pasifika performance group, Shakespeare festivals, and specialist lessons in instrumental music, singing, and speech and drama.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Apply online at qmc.school.nz/admissions

Shon MacLeod Enrolments Registrar

Once an application is approved to proceed with the enrolment process, the prospective student will be invited for an interview with the Principal.

ENROLMENT OFFER

Successful applicants will receive an offer of place. Please complete and submit your acceptance online, and pay the non-refundable acceptance fee within 14 working days. Once we have received this acceptance, we will send you a confirmation of place at QMC.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

During the admissions process, we will take the time to get to know you and your whānau. We’re here to help. We will support you and answer any questions you may have. To find out more, get in touch with our Enrolments Registrar, Shon MacLeod, at enrolments@qmc.school.nz or visit qmc.school.nz

GETTING TO KNOW US

There are several ways for you and your daughter to experience how we live and learn at QMC. Our Enrolments Registrar is here to make sure you are supported every step of the way in your decision.

TUESDAY TOURS

During term time, we host school tours on the last Tuesday of each month. This is a great way to explore our campus, learn more about our values and the education and opportunities we provide our students, and ask any questions.

OPEN DAY

Our annual Open Day is a chance to experience our school in action and get a taste of what life at QMC is like. This exciting event offers sports, arts, creativity, science, technology, and more! Explore our study options, hear from our staff and students, and soak up the atmosphere of our vibrant QMC community.

EXPERIENCE DAYS

Experience Days are for students entering Years 7 and 9 to help them prepare for the upcoming year – a pivotal moment in their school journey.

SPEND A DAY

To help new students ease into life at QMC, we invite them to spend a day with their year group exploring the campus, meeting classmates, and gaining confidence before day one.

Strategic Direction: Christina Mossaidis

Managing Editor and Writer: Antonia Bale

Writer and Content Coordinator: Emma Walker Graphic Design and Print Management: Liz Worth

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