Foundation Pen Issue 7

thefoundationpen Issue 7 December 2010

Building for now and the future...

Contents From the Chair of the Foundation

3

Remembering...

4

Memorial Bursary for English

4

From the Acting Principal

5

Alumni Update

6

The Vowles/McLennan family story

7

In The Big Apple

7

Celebrating 100 years at Community House

8-9

2010 Reunions

8-9

From the President, Old Girls’ Association

10

Ladies of 1920’s to 1950

10

Alumni Breakfast 11 CBD Breakfast 11 Thank you to St Margaret’s Supporters

12

Golf Day 13

2

Food with a View at Christmas

13

The Archives Corner

14

From the Chair of the School Council

15

From Margot de Groot, Chair of the Foundation Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.

Martin Luther King Jnr. These words are as relevant to a business enterprise and political party as they are to a School and its Foundation.

There is much to be grateful for in the progress of the Foundation. This year has been one of consolidation and renewal with the appointment of five new directors and a manager of philanthropy. The fresh ideas and experience they have brought has strengthened the Foundation and prepared it for an exciting 2011. The campaign to raise capital for the fit out of the School’s new Science and Resource Centre will begin shortly. Its success will be an important milestone for the Foundation.

Throughout this edition of The Pen you will see the many articles that celebrate the St Margaret’s School Community and one that I wish to highlight is on page 4. The Geise Family have chosen to endow the School with a Bursary in memory of Sheila Geise. This prestigious award will be presented at Speech Night to an outstanding senior student of English. Another article that is very relevant to us is by our Acting Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller, who highlights the limitations that arise from reliance solely on school fees and government funding.

It is wonderful that here at St Margaret’s the girls have a fantastic opportunity at a young age, to develop their philanthropic ethos through the School’s social responsibility program. The girls have been involved in a huge range of activities, including supporting the Pyjama Foundation by wearing pyjamas to school, which raised $3,000.00. It was great to learn that the founder of the Pyjama Foundation, Bronwyn Sheehan is also the mother of Ella, Year 8 and Kate Year 10.

My thanks to all who have supported the Foundation, including the contributors to this edition of The Foundation Pen. I’m sure you will find all the articles interesting, informative and helpful – ensuring that we “stay awake” to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

L-R: Bronwyn Sheehan (Pyjama Foundation), James Horwill, (Queensland Reds), Imogen Bellamy and Tess Chapman (Year 12)

3

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

Remembering...

Sister Dorothy SSA Sister Dorothy was born in Western Australia on 11th February, 1922, the daughter of John and Gertrude Frame.

Tragically her mother died early, leaving Dorothy, aged 7, and her two younger brothers, John and Arthur. She was a bright and happy 12 year old when she met a visitor to Western Australia, Sister Katharine SSA. This proved to be a watershed in Dorothy’s life as she returned with Sister Katharine to Brisbane, finishing her schooling as a Boarder at St Catherine’s in Warwick.

After her years at St Catherine’s, Dorothy lived with the Sisters and took up a position working at St Martin’s Hospital on the switchboard. Dorothy’s footsteps, however, were destined to lead to a life with the Sisters. She was professed on St Matthias Day, 24th February, 1945.

Sister Dorothy SSA

Dorothy commenced nursing training at St Martin’s Hospital in 1947. Patricia Nommensen, who was a Boarder at St Margaret’s and a Senior of 1945, forged a life-long friendship with Sister Dorothy when they commenced their nursing training together, and to quote from Patricia’s tribute to her friend: Sister Dorothy was loved by us all at St Martin’s – she was ‘Dotty’ to us. She was a very good nurse and the doctors thought highly of her and her diligence and loving care of patients. She wore a white habit and was a Christ-like presence in the hospital.

When St Martin’s closed, Sister was devastated as nursing was her great love. Her service to the Community continued through work at Tufnell Toddlers’ Home and nursing the elderly Sisters at Community House. When she made the decision to move to Symes Grove Sister Dorothy’s warmth, love and compassion continued to touch all those around her.

In the moving Eulogy, Mother Eunice recounted tales of Dorothy’s wonderful sense of humour, love for her family and for life, concluding Sister Dorothy’s great faith, her determination and her courage, her love for God and her Community, her care for others and 63 years of Profession, living the life of a disciplined Religious gave her great inner strength. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

The Sheila Geise Memorial Bursary for English Sheila had a long association with the schools of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent as a student, as a teacher and as a member of the Leadership Staff. She was a student at St Catherine’s, Warwick in 1944 and at St Margaret’s CEGS from 1947 to 1949. Sheila taught at St Michael’s in 1950 and in 1971 joined the St Margaret’s staff as Deputy Principal. Sheila was member of the Leadership Team at the school from 1972 to 1986 and she will be fondly remembered by her many students for her love of the English language and her love of classical literature.

Sheila Geise

Sheila’s husband, Ray, and daughter Nicola Desoe (1980) have established this bursary in honour of Sheila’s memory.

The award will be made to a student of either Year 11 or Year 12 whose essay on one of the great literary masterpieces reflects both her ability and love of the English language. The winner should also exhibit commitment to the aims of St Margaret’s through community service, activities in the Chapel and involvement in extra-curricular activities. She must also demonstrate pride in being a St Margaret’s girl through both appearance and behaviour. It will be awarded for the first time at Speech Night this year.

On July 21st the Geise family hosted an evening in the Arts Centre foyer to celebrate the launch of this significant Bursary.

L-R: Nicky Desoe (Geise 1980), Helen Hains, Steve Rowe, Ray Geise, Viv Mace (1969)

4

Karen Spiller, Acting Principal Limited Government funding for St Margaret’s It has been reported in the media that government funding for some leading Queensland independent schools would rise by up to 40 percent between 2008 and 2012. It is worth highlighting to all parents that this, unfortunately, is certainly not the case with St Margaret’s which over coming years will see its already limited level of government funding decrease even further.

St Margaret’s receives government funding, based on our parents’ post codes. As a result of these factors St Margaret’s is deemed by the Federal Government to have a high socioeconomic status (SES), and therefore is entitled to far less government funding, irrespective of the fact that our students are located across a much broader geographic footprint within Brisbane and Australia and come from families of widely varying financial situations.

Despite the reality of the situation, with some of our families making significant financial sacrifices to provide their daughters a high quality education, St Margaret’s receives $2,724 per primary and $3,460 per secondary student each year. This represents 32.5% of the Australian Government School Recurrent Costs AGSRC, which is a federal government calculated index of the cost of educating a student at a government or state school. This AGSRC figure does not include capital costs of improving and building new facilities. The highest percentage of federal funding received by some independent schools in Brisbane is 85%.

Science and Resource Centre Construction Site

5

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

Like all premier independent schools, at St Margaret’s a majority of the tuition fees received are allocated to cover the school’s day to day running costs such as teaching and staff salaries, and maintaining the extensive array of educational and co-curricular facilities which support our students. Any small surplus left available can in no way meet the on-going capital works needs of the school While the construction of the new Science and Resource Centre is a significant capital works program for St Margaret’s, and one that will have a long lasting impact on the education current and future students will enjoy, the State and Federal Government’s support of this critical new infrastructure is limited to $650,000 of the project’s $8 million capital cost.

This low government funding will in all probability become even more marked over future years, and increases the school’s reliance on the Foundation, P and F Association and the financial support of the wider St Margaret’s community as the primary source of much needed funds to support our long-term building program.

Karen Spiller Acting Principal

Alumni Update You can and will find St Margaret’s girls in all walks of life and in all parts of the world. We are inordinately proud of two of our Seniors of the Class of 2005, Fiona Beaverson and Annabelle Cottee, who have made their marks as outstanding students of Bond University.

Fiona Beaverson

Whilst at St Margaret’s Fiona dedicated herself not only to her studies but to active involvement in a range of extra-curricular activities. She was a member of the Open 1st Four Rowing crew as well as a contributing member of a number of student committees in her Senior years at school.

After enjoying a gap year, in 2007 Fiona enrolled in Bond’s Bachelor of Property and Sustainable Development program. Fiona’s willingness to be involved in campus life resulted in her election to the presidency of both the Sustainable Development Students’ Association and the Bond Investment Group.

Among some of the notable experiences that followed were welcoming Sir Richard Branson and meeting such ‘titans of industry’ as ASX chairman, David Gonski and Pacific Brand’s CEO, Sue Morphett. Fiona has taken up a position with Lend Lease’s head office in Sydney – one of only two such positions offered Australia-wide.

She is currently in New York undertaking an internship with Shape Magazine and, after travelling, she will return to Bond to complete her degree. St Margaret’s is justly proud of the many achievements of our past students and our warmest congratulations go to both Fiona and Annabelle.

We acknowledge Kaylee Farrington, Collegiate Schools Coordinator, Bond University, for her assistance with detail for this article.

The Alumni - interstate and overseas Interstate: As we mentioned in Edition 4 of The Foundation Pen, one of our aims is to establish branches of the St Margaret’s Alumni outside of Queensland.

If you are in Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney (or anywhere nearby), our new Principal, Ms Ros Curtis is looking forward to meeting you.

Please note the following dates for get-togethers: Adelaide

October 1st

Sydney

November 4th

Melbourne

November 5th

More information will come to you in the New Year.

Annabelle’s outstanding academic results at school earned her a number of Academic Pockets and, in her Senior year, the Speech Night prizes in German, Mathematics and Legal Studies. Like Fiona, Annabelle involved herself in the many extra-curricular opportunities offered at St Margaret’s, regularly competing in Cross Country competitions, serving on student committees and participating in the exchange Program to Germany.

Annabelle Cottee

Annabelle has thrown herself into a demanding double degree in Law and Journalism at Bond, enthusiastically embracing every aspect of Bond’s social and academic calendar. She has served as Secretary of the Humanities Students’ Association, Publications Director for the Law Students’ Association and Editor of both the Law students’ newsletter and the 2009 Careers Guide. In 2008 Annabelle’s story won the Best Print News Story by an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Student and was runner-up in the Best Story – Any Medium category in the 2008 Journalism Education Alliance’s Ossie Awards.

United Kingdom: When Susie Dawson (McClymont 1964) was home from London recently, she visited St Margaret’s with her sister, Alison. We are thrilled that Susie has agreed to liaise with us in the planning of a UK Alumni. (see Susie’s recipe on p 88 of Food with a View).

To update your details and/or advise us of family or friends in the UK, please contact Beverley Fox. (07 3862 0884 / bfox@stmargarets.qld.edu.au) We hope to plan a St Margaret’s Alumni function in London in 2011.

Susie Dawson (McClymont 1964), Alison Shilling (McClymont 1969)

6

The Vowles/McLennan Family Story One of the rich rewards of working with the St Margaret’s Alumni is the recording of the generations of families who have been St Margaret’s girls. In an earlier edition of The Foundation Pen we applauded Dorothy McLennan (nee Vowles) of Roma who was a student at St Margaret’s from 1922 to 1924. What is even more wonderful to report now is that firstly, Dorothy turned 104 on 31st August, and secondly, her Great Granddaughter, Charlotte Smith, commenced as a Prep student at St Margaret’s this year.

Charlotte is the daughter of Heather Smith (nee McLennan,1988) who, with her two sisters, Rosie (now Jones,1984) and Alison (now Blacket, 1981) are Dorothy’s Granddaughters.

Like most families, the McLennan girls have taken different pathways since leaving St Margaret’s. Heather spent several years working as a Nanny Dorothy McLennan (Vowles 1924) before she embarked on a career in Accounting. She married Scott, a Surveyor, in 2001 and with three beautiful children (Charlotte, Sophia and Oliver) and an addition due on Christmas Eve, they have settled back in Brisbane to raise their brood.

Charlotte Smith (Prep 2010)

Rosie followed her dream into Medicine at UQ. Further studies in Rural Medicine and Fellowship of the Australian College of General Practitioners followed. Rosie married Peter, a Pilot from St George, and practised at the local Medical Centre until the birth of her second child. Rosie, Peter, Cameron, Patrick, Chloe and Jasmine have now settled in the Byron Shire where Rosie’s well-hidden talent for painting has blossomed. See Rosie’s work at www.rosiejones.com.

Post schooldays Alison made Nursing her career. After nursing at home and overseas, she married David and together they purchased Riversands Vineyards in St George. Alison relates that they have experienced both the joys and challenges of the bush – from winning gold for their wines to the recent 2 metre flood waters in their vineyards! Alison, David and their three boys, Nicholas, Loxlee and Jock spend their time between their second home in Brisbane and the peace and the quiet of St George.

In The Big Apple Wherever you are in the world – you will find members of the St Margaret’s Alumni. One of the highlights of my first trip to New York in September with my life-long friend, Jan Miles (Cremin 1959), was a lovely dinner in this exciting and vibrant city with past students, Marilyn Dunning (Aldridge 1964), Maricha Miles, Annie Dunning and Michelle Aldridge all of the Class of 1991.

Maricha is living and working in New York with Eduardo, Edward four and Thomas two, Michelle was in New York on business from London and Marilyn and Annie were boarding the Queen Mary a few days later for London! A very enjoyable dinner for us all.

Beverley Fox L-R: Michelle Aldridge, Annie Dunning, Marilyn Dunning (Aldridge 1964), Jan Miles (Cremin 1959), Maricha Miles

7

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

Celebrating 100 years at Community House Our first St Margaret’s Weekend was made even more memorable when Mother Eunice and the Sisters invited the school community to celebrate the anniversary of the day the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent took up residence in Community House – Friday, July 8th, 1910.

On Sunday, July 11th we were privileged to be welcomed by the Sisters into their home to enjoy their company and the company of so many of their friends and well-wishers. The Sisters’ hospitality is legendary and to the delight of all, Sister Moira, in a marathon bake-off, produced dozens of her renowned scones for a beautiful Devonshire afternoon tea.

Philip Harris, Mother Eunice

Another bonus for everyone was the beautiful display of memorabilia in the Archives Centre. Bronwyn Perry prepared some of the most unique and rarely displayed pieces of the collection for all to see, with the result that for most of the time there was ‘standing room only’. Thank you, Bronwyn, for this opportunity – and I know that the next time the Archives are on public display – the chance to walk down memory lane again will be irresistible for all who had their first taste.

At the conclusion of an afternoon when we had all had the opportunity to wander through Community House, take the time for quiet reflection in the beautiful Sisters’ Chapel and listen to the happy voices of the Primary Choir, there was time to join together in a quiet thanksgiving service.

Thank you to members of the P & F who assisted throughout the afternoon, along with students Grace and Meg Haslam, Alessandra Hall and Ellie Forster. Again – ‘the Community in action’.

Exploring Community House

The outpouring of friendship and love for the Sisters from the many people who flocked to Community House was palpable, and I know this time will remain in the memories of all of us who were able to be with them. Thank you, Mother Eunice and Sisters, for opening your home to us all.

The Class of 1980

The Class of 1990 - Group 2

8

2010 Reunions St Margaret’s Weekend July 9th, 10th and 11th One of the major initiatives this year, from the perspective of our past students, was the introduction of the annual St Margaret’s Weekend, a weekend on which all significant reunions will now be held.

All 10-year anniversaries were held on the St Margaret’s Weekend, scheduled on the same weekend as the Old Girls’ Association beautiful Chapel Service and Morning Tea. By planning this with the OGA, many of our past students who travelled from interstate and overseas for their reunions were able to be part of this significant event in the Old Girls’ calendar.

The Class of 1970

The Class of 1990

The reunions held over the St Margaret’s weekend were: • Friday, 9th July the Seniors of 2000 celebrated their 10 year anniversary in the Arts Centre Foyer with refreshments and finger food at 6.00pm.

• Saturday, 10th the Seniors of 1970 enjoyed a luncheon to celebrate their 40 years since leaving school, again in the Arts Centre Foyer – whilst at the same time the girls from 1965 relived their 45 years of memories at a luncheon at Portside.

The Class of 2000

• At 3.00pm the 1980 Senior students enjoyed themselves with refreshments and finger food on the Arts Centre Terraces overlooking the fabulous view we all associate with St Margaret’s. It was hard to believe that it was 30 years since the girls had been at school!

• At 6.00pm the VIP group of 1960 arrived to celebrate this very special occasion by combining their evening with the girls from the Class of 1990. The Arts Centre Foyer was an exciting scene of 105 happy and noisy ‘girls’ (quite a number of mothers and daughters in the group!), all talking and laughing at the same time.

The Seniors of 2005 met at Portside on Friday, July 31st to mark their five year anniversary. At this stage of their lives, many of the girls are working interstate and experiencing overseas adventures. What the group lacked in numbers, however, they certainly made up for in enthusiasm and the pleasure of seeing each other.

The Class of 2000 - Group 2

The Class of 1960

Mother Eunice with, L-R, Ali Hall, Eleanor Forster, Grace and Meg Haslam

9

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

From Jacky Garnsworthy, President of the OGA

Luncheon for the Ladies of 1920’s to 1950

Joseph Alexanders on Coronation Drive was the setting for this year’s Old Girls’ Brunch on Sunday 24th October. It was a perfect Brisbane day!

We held this function on Wednesday, June 23rd when 80 ladies ranging from their late seventies to the wonderful age of ninety nine years came to lunch in the Arts Centre Foyer. Our ninety nine year old was Hazel Swanwick (nee Richardson) who was at School in the late 1920s. She was accompanied by her younger sister Merle Hayes at ninety seven. Merle was here in 1931.

As always the Brunch was well supported with many travelling from afar to be together, including Pamela Alvarez (Tear) who makes the trek each year from Sydney. Our Acting Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller sent along warm greetings and apologies - she was attending an Old Girls’ function for St Aidan’s in Sydney! We were delighted to have Mrs Beverley Fox, Manager – Development with us. Old Girls were very interested to hear about the changes in the administration of the School and the impressive backgrounds of both the School’s new Principal, Ms Ros Curtis, currently Deputy at St Aidan’s, and the new Deputy Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll. Michelle is currently Dean of Students at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School. Both Ros and Michelle will commence on 1st January, 2011.

Also of great interest to everyone present were details of the new Science and Resource Centre, and that construction has already commenced on the site of the old netball courts.

The Brunch was a wonderful way to finish another busy year for the OGA.

Two particularly lovely moments occurred - Marjorie ColvIn (nee Pierpoint) who was here in the early 1930s again recited an entertaining piece of poetry in a strong and glorious voice (she does all this from memory), and Isabelle Larcombe (nee Churchett) a Senior of 1943 played some lovely old pieces on the piano to which we all happily sang along.

Another of our past students, Pett Rayner (nee Francis), told us that her mother (Thelma Walker 1909-1914) was in the group of students in 1910 that transferred from Toorak House to the current site of the School.

Dawn Nason (nee Mullen) is a tireless supporter of our luncheon and the school and, in her inimitable style, sourced ten wonderful lucky door prizes. Thank you, Dawn, for your enthusiasm and support.

Thank you also to Alessia Russo (School Captain), and Alessandra Hall (Year 11). Both girls gave up the day to come and join our guests.

L-R: Georgina Scott (1998), Kim Browne (1966), Jillie Scott (Crane 1966), Janette DevenishMeares (Hardy 1963), Margaret Devereux (Palmer 1966), Christine Crook (Rowan 1964), Jan Chayter (Betteson 1964)

Adele Kieseker (Shute1950), Alessia Russo, School Captain

Margot Laurie (Langsford 1946), Valmai Williams (Wilson 1947), Hazel Duncan (Woodrow 1947)

L-R: Nancy Loxton (Kohr 1968), Deborah Love (Massey 1969), Jacky Garnsworthy (Roebuck 1968), Beverley Fox, Deirdre Cussen (Gault 1951)

Marjorie Colvin (Pierpoint 1930), Jeanette Colvin (1971)

Merle Hayes (Richardson 1931), Joe Gibson, Chair School Council, Hazel Swanwick (Richardson 1928)

10

Karen Spiller, Amanda Stein (1986)

Jan Hamilton (Coates 1960), Margaret Beak (1960)

Alumni Breakfast

CBD Breakfast

The Foundation Alumni Breakfast on Friday, 15 October was an opportunity for members of our School Community to not only enjoy a beautiful breakfast in good company and lovely surroundings, but to listen to the success stories of two of our past students.

The second annual CBD Breakfast was held at The Brisbane Club on Tuesday, August 17th.

The morning’s formalities commenced with Karen Spiller, Acting Principal, warmly welcoming all present.

Karen spoke of the strengths and exciting future development of St Margaret’s. Our first speaker, Dr Ros Taplin (Senior of 1969) was then introduced.

Ros, a Professor of Environmental Management, is currently Head of the Sustainable Science Department at Bond University. She traced her steps from the classrooms at St Margaret’s to university studies in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania and into the world of academia – giving full credit to her formative years studying Science subjects here at school.

When Amanda Stein (Senior of 1986) was introduced, it was soon very obvious to all that she is the consummate entrepreneur. Amanda relayed sidesplitting anecdotes of her early forays into the world of business – selling Cherry Ripe chocolate bars to starving boarders at $5 each!

Over 90 guests listened to the inspirational story of our guest speaker, Waverley Stanley. Waverley and his wife, Llew Mullins, founded Yalari in 2005. The concept of Yalari, to offer Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities and towns across Australia the opportunity for a first-class secondary education, evolved from Waverley’s own experience of attending boarding school at Toowoomba Grammar School over 20 years ago.

Yalari now supports 167 children around Australia.

The students are enrolled in 34 partnership schools in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

St Margaret’s is proud to be a participating school.

The morning, hosted by Angus Harvey Ross, Director of the Foundation, was enjoyed by guests from our School Community – past students, current and past parents, sponsors, supporters, suppliers and staff.

Her entrepreneurial business outlet, Panda Pearls, has progressed to ‘the world of beautiful things’ – pearls, antiques and collectibles. Amanda, like Ros, spoke warmly of her school days – particularly in relation to life as a boarder and friendships made.

Alison Black (2007), Carrie Payne (2000)

Following an update on Foundation aims and objectives by our Chair of the Foundation, Margot de Groot, the lucky door prizes were drawn, the major prize of magnificent pearls from Panda Pearls was won by Alison Black (Senior of 2007).

Angus Harvey Ross, Erina O’Carroll

Sue Bain, Mark Vincent

Paula Richardson (1990), Kylie Lamprecht (1990), Amanda Minotti (Irvine 1993), Sarah Stoddart (2005)

Margot de Groot, Waverley Stanley

Vicky Wilson, Anna Davidson (Graham 1986)

Ros Taplin and her 1969 Support Team!

At the CBD Breakfast

11

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

Thank you evening to sponsors and supporters Each year the Principal, along with the Chairs of both the School Council and the Foundation, take the opportunity to acknowledge the many members of the school community and the wider business community who so generously sponsor our events and give significant support to all areas of the School.

On Friday evening, 29th October, over ninety guests enjoyed good company in the lovely surroundings of the Arts Centre Foyer and were entertained by the magic of our wonderful Encorah singers. Sincere thanks to Catherine Baillie (Director) and Brad King who accompanied the girls on the piano. Mr Joe Gibson, School Council Chair, and Mrs Karen Spiller, our Acting Principal, then took the opportunity to express their appreciation to all present for their valued contributions to St Margaret’s.

Kay and Tony Elliot, Libby and Joe Gibson

The students were represented by our two School Captains, Sarah Cox and Alessia Russo and Year 10 students, Meg Grieve, Betsy Rutledge, Anna Fryer, Lucy Warriner, Hilary Wood and Rosie Dingle, ensured that all our guests were very well looked after. Thank you girls for all your time and effort.

Howard Hall, Dale Laube, Nick Sunderland

Glenys Hodges, Duncan Campbell, Julie Tapsall, Kim Adolphi, John and Jacky Garnsworthy

Marcia Brumpton, Karen Spiller, Amanda Stein, Tanya Henzell-Harvey, Susan Blake

Rob Morphet, Darrell Brown

Lynn and Gary Nock, Bronwyn Sarno

12

2010 Foundation Golf Day

Golf Day Sponsors and Prize Donors

On Friday, August 20th we went to the beautiful Indooroopilly Golf Club, and despite early heavy rain, the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of all team members ensured that the event was very successful.

L-R: Andrew Whyte, Todd Clayton, Ed Thomas

Hume Campbell sees off the Riverside Team A

The overall support we receive for this day is marvellous. Sixteen holes were sponsored and the quality of the many prizes donated as players’ trophies and raffle prizes was, as usual, outstanding. Teams and players competed for prizes for Champion Team, Runner up Team, Wooden Spooners, and Best Dressed Team, along with men’s and women’s longest drive and nearest to the pin on two holes.

Garry Waters (father of Georgina, 2004 and Stephanie 2006) of Henzells/Pelican Waters is not only a regular supporter, but this year we put him to work as MC, only to have him announce the Henzells/Pelican Waters team of Roy Henzell, Garry Waters, Simon Hughes and Sandy Smith as the winners. Along with the St Margaret’s Foundation perpetual trophy, the champion team received individual trophies, $100 gift vouchers from Drummond Golf, wine and golf balls.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this popular Foundation event.

The preferred Christmas gift...

Food with a View It is almost that time of year again and what better gift for friends and family who missed out last year than the St Margaret’s Cookbook, Food with a View? At $40 it is not only great value – but it is another walk down memory lane as you leaf through the pages of school photos, enjoy student artwork and find the names of many you will remember who have contributed their recipes.

L-R: Richard Meyers, Matt Rennie, Paul Haslam

Margot de Groot and the winning team Henzells Pelican Waters

The cookbook order form is on the School website, or simply call us and we will organize your order for you.

Contact the Development Office to place your orders.

Pieter Schagen, Beverley Fox

Lisa de Pasquale and Loretta Whyte with Added Value

Food with a View, P19

13

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

The Archives Corner Community House 2010 is a significant year in the history of the Society of the Sacred Advent and St Margaret’s it marks 100 years since the Sisters and the School took up residence on the present site. On July 8, 1910, Mother Emma and the Sisters left Toorak House in Hamilton, where the school had been for the previous three years, and travelled the short distance to their new property in Lapraik St, Albion. A few days later, 47 students returned to start the new term in their new premises.

Community House was built in 1885 for Patrick Durack, father of the Durack family who opened up the Kimberley country in Western Australia. He employed the architect, John Cohen, to build the spacious twostorey colonial home with its tower and spiral staircase, verandahs with beautiful iron lace and a commanding view to Mt Coot-tha. The Duracks named the house Maryview. Mary Durack in her book ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ described the house warming party, lasting several days, where friends and family admired the house and gardens as well as the wonderful view.

Financial ruin in the 1890’s forced Patrick Durack to sell the house to Mr Frederic Horwood, a well-known Brisbane merchant. He renamed the house Roslyn. In 1900, John Dunmore Campbell became the owner and the name was changed, yet again, to Donatello.

14

When the Sisters purchased the house they renamed it St Margaret’s House. The School changed its name too, from the Eton High School to the Church of England High School for Girls. It was not until 1912 that the school became more commonly known as St Margaret’s.

St Margaret’s House was home to both the Sisters and students. The boarders lived upstairs, and downstairs there were classrooms as well as offices for the Headmistress and the Mother. The large room at the front of the house was used as the school’s chapel until the dedication of the chapel designed by Robin Dods in 1915. Over the next few years, a number of temporary buildings were erected in the grounds to provide school rooms for increasing enrolments and cottages in the area were also rented as accommodation for senior girls and staff.

In 1919, the adjoining property, Mooloomburram was purchased to provide extra boarding accommodation but it was not until 1928 that West Wing was built with several large classrooms, a dining hall, kitchen and above, spacious dormitories. The school then moved from St Margaret’s House and the Sisters were able to claim St Margaret’s House as their own and it became known as Community House.

Bronwyn Perry School Archivist

From Joe Gibson, Chair of School Council The financial challenge of running St Margaret’s On this occasion, Colleen Harper, ManagerPhilanthropy interviews Joe Gibson, Chair St Margaret’s School on the intricate task of managing St Margaret’s finances Q: What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being chair of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School?

A: At speech night when we see the graduating year 12s on stage singing the School Hymn, the enormously strong bonds that have developed over their school lives shine so clearly through. I know, as in the case of my four sisters and my three daughters, those bonds will last for their whole lives. Speech Night shows not only that we have done a good job at educating the girls, but that we have done a lot more than that.

The most challenging aspect of my position is making sure the finances of the School are in robust shape and that the facilities are continually renewed. This is a delicate balance to manage. We try to keep fees reasonable, while acknowledging the need to fund the excellence in education to which we aspire, as well as developing the long term facilities of the School.

Early October the Audit and Finance Committee fine tunes budget Mid October to the School Council for approval or revision November the Council seeks approval from the Trust Late November once approved by the Trust, this budget becomes the benchmark for the School’s operations for the following year.

The key variables which impact heavily on the preparation of the budget are: •

Number of enrolments

• Staff Student ratios (the number of teachers and support staff employed per student) •

Interest on Building loans

•

Capital expenditure.

Q: During the year are there reviews?

A: Oh yes, the Council is required to report quarterly to the Trust on the financial performance of the School in relation to the budget, and also on its compliance with a range of other governance issues that have been agreed between the Council and the Trust.

Q: Where does the income from our school fees go?

Q: What are some projects currently being considered?

A: See graphs for a break up of budgeted income and expenses for the calendar year 2010.

A: We have lots of things we would love to do, however serious consideration is being given to a new boarding facility, the second stage of the Arts Centre, 50 metre pool access, possible future redevelopment of the Pre Prep, future use of Petrie Street and future building development sites on the campus.

61%

Tuition Fees 12%

Boarding Capital

Q: What about government funding?

Commonwealth Grants

A: As Karen mentions in her article, sadly this is limited and will probably continue to decline in the future. We recently started building work on the new $8 million Science and Resource Centre and regrettably we will receive only $650,000 in Government support.

2% State Grants 14%

Sundry Income

7%

Q: How is the new Science and Resource Centre being funded?

4% 9%

58%

Tuition resources

A: This ambitious project will cost $8 million and after our $650,000 Government support, it will leave a balance of $7,350,000 which will need to be met by the school and the wider school community. Fortunately, the St Margaret’s Foundation are also planning to make a significant contribution to this vital development.

Depreciation

Q: What are you looking forward to most about 2011?

Salaries and on costs 7%

Administration Maintenance

8% 7%

4%

9%

Boarding expenses (inc.wages)

Interest

Q: What about the budget for 2011?

A: The following timeline is followed each year: July draft budget is prepared by the Principal and Business Manager

15

The Foundation Pen | Issue 7 | December

A: Our new Principal, Ros Curtis, whose appointment has been warmly welcomed by all who know her, a new Deputy Principal, Michelle Carroll who comes to us from Ipswich Girls Grammar School, and the opening of the Science and Resource Centre, which will take place late next year, weather permitting.

Contact details:

St Margaret’s Foundation Ltd 11 Petrie Street, Ascot Qld 4007 Australia

ABN: 72 113 529 230

Beverley Fox - 07 3862 0884 Colleen Harper - 07 3862 0788 Francesca Hawkes - 07 3862 0765 Facsimile: 07 3862 3656 Website: www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au Email: foundation@stmargarets.qld.edu.au alumni@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

The Society of the Sacred Advent Schools Pty Ltd