News and Events > News > Media Release - Focus
Date: 16 July 2010
St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School has a proud history dating back to its establishment in 1895 by The Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Today, 115 years on, the School continues to build upon its rich history and the traditions that have been established over the years.
The past two months have seen many events that acknowledge the past and look forward to the future.
One very significant event that was recently celebrated was the 100th Anniversary of Community House. On 8 July 1910, Mother Emma and the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent moved into Community House, the first time when St Margaret's occupied its current site. Originally known as Donatello, the house was built in the 1880s. It was renamed St Margaret's House in 1910 and is still in use today as the Community House for the Sisters. Mother Eunice and the Sisters continue to maintain an active presence within St Margaret's. Their valuable contribution was acknowledged with Open House on Sunday 11 July, where many people took the opportunity to share Devonshire Tea with the Sisters.
Thursday 17 June was also a cause for celebration with the traditional acknowledgement of St Margaret's Day. Commencing with a family fun run in the morning, the day also included a Service and the St Margaret's Day Run. At the service, Mr Ray Geise, long serving staff member at the School was recognised for his contribution to the School through being named Patron of St Margaret's Day for 2010. The St Margaret's Day Service also allowed staff, students and guests the chance to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Community House. Lapel crosses based on the Sisters' cross were commissioned for the day and distributed during the Service.
On St Margaret's Day, the girls demonstrated their ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Money raised from the Fun Run (over $1,400.00) went to Stride for a Smile. During the service, girls from the Secondary School presented boxes of donations to Project Love and Care, whilst girls from the Primary School presented donations to Spiritus. These had been generously contributed by the girls during Term 2.
The inaugural St Margaret's Weekend held on Friday 9 July, Saturday 10 July and Sunday 11 July, was a time when many Old Girls celebrated their reunions. The past students of the years 1960, 1965, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000 gathered at various functions to share stories from the past.
The St Margaret's Old Girls Association held their annual service in the School's Chapel on Sunday 11 July. This was an exciting time for the St Margaret's community as seven of the eight Old Girls who have been ordained returned for the service - The Rev Carlie Hannah, The Rev Jennifer Colbrahams, The Rev Rosemary Peterson, The Rev Pamela Hynd, The Rev Lee Gauld, The Rev Sarah Leisemann and The Rev Deborah Hay. (The Rev Avriel Green who was unable to be present was one of the guests at the School's Induction Service at the beginning of this year.) During the Old Girls' Service, Sister Gillian SSA blessed the Honour Board that acknowledged the eight St Margaret's Old Girls. Each of the Priests has also been presented with a St Margaret's stole. The Rev Jennifer Colbrahams was the Celebrant and the Preacher was The Rev Sarah Leisemann. Rev Leisemann spoke very fondly of her time at St Margaret's.
The Rev Carlie Hannah was special guest at the Schools' Leadership Induction service on Monday 12 July, where she inspired the girls with the story of her journey to the Priesthood.
St Margaret's Old Girls at the Old Girls' Association Service
Left to right - The Rev Rosemary Peterson, The Rev Pam Hynd, The Rev Carlie Hannah, The Rev Jennifer Colbrahams, The Rev Sarah Leisemann, The Rev Lee Gauld and The Rev Deborah Hay.