Philanthropy transforming the school landscape

In 2021, donations once again helped to transform the physical landscape of the campus, creating several new spaces that enhance the learning environment for every St Margaret’s girl. Philanthropy has and will continue to play a crucial role in creating innovative and inviting collaborative learning facilities.

St Margaret’s new ‘Every Girl Every Opportunity’ appeal encompasses several exciting, planned developments and refurbishment projects which continue our focus on advancing school facilities to benefit all students. Highlights include a Senior Study Centre, new classroom buildings, and amenity upgrades. Further development of the Arts Precinct will be the focus of the school’s next Capital Campaign. Thanks to your support, we have been able to complete two major projects this year.

SENIOR STUDY CENTRE

In 2021, the new Senior Study Centre was opened. This state-of-the-art flexible learning space is available exclusively for Year 12 students as they navigate the academic requirements of the ATAR system. Situated in the first-floor annexe of Community House and with easy access to the Eunice Science and Resource Centre through the Piazza, the facility is designed to allow students to engage in both independent and collaborative work. Our Class of 2021 were thrilled to be able to access this new dedicated space in the second half of last year. ‘For me a space must feel comfortable, spacious and have an aesthetic appeal to make it a welcoming study environment, and the new SSC ticks all those boxes! The two rooms accommodating individual and group study mean our cohort can share and make use of the space without disrupting each other. I am especially excited about the fact that as a boarder I can use the space after hours for individual study. The kitchen facilities are amazing and complete with all the essentials including a toasty machine needed to help get through the day,’ said Chloe Fenwicke. Ashleigh Witenden said that ‘the new study centre has been amazing in providing a quiet space for Year 12s to study all throughout the school day, from morning to night. In the centre there are two study rooms, one for individual work and one for group work, which has been great as it accommodates everyone’s study preferences. We also have a kitchen and dining space which has been very useful for spares and lunchtimes as we can make tea, coffee and even toasties in our very own space. Boarders are also allowed to use it during Prep time, which is great for study as it is quiet space that is also separate from our rooms which I find helps me work more efficiently during prep.’

NEW CLASSROOMS ON CIRCULAR DRIVE

In the latter part of 1956, a new gymnasium was built near the original pool at the Petrie Street entrance to the school which made better provision for physical education and ballet dancing. This new gymnasium was in use until the Philip Harris Sports Centre was opened in 1996, upon which the space was used for St Margaret’s visual arts program. More recently, the building became the School Supplies Shop. In 2021, it was time once again to evolve this site and to create something that better serves the teaching and learning needs of our students today. Two secondary classrooms with views of Circular Drive and the city have been built in this space and were ready for the 2022 academic year.

Currently, the School Council is developing a new Master Plan for the school and there will be exciting plans for future projects. You can donate to the ‘Every Girl Every Opportunity’ appeal now online, by calling Lara Pickering, Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement, on (07) 3862 0884, or by returning the Giving Envelope enclosed with this magazine.