Monday’s start of term Chapel service saw the St Margaret’s College Class of 2034 sit alongside the Class of 2020, and it reminded me of how quickly time flies.

Speaking to some of our senior parents at Sunday’s Rowing Dinner and the basketball game on Monday night, it seems they agree. Wasn’t it only yesterday that their girls were taking their first steps? Yet here they are about to finish school and step out into the world.

Evidence of the seemingly exponential rate of change is apparent when we consider what we already take for granted that we did not have 13 years ago. When our current Seniors started their school lives, there was no such thing as an iPhone, let alone Instagram, YouTube or Uber. If it seems only yesterday that you were wishing your daughter well on her first day of school, you will realise the future will be here before we know it!

It is both exciting and daunting to imagine what might lie ahead for our New Entrant girls. Where much may be uncertain, we can be sure the values, confidence and dedication to a higher purpose that are the cornerstones of an SMC education will stand the test of time. For a glimpse into what that future could look like, I remind you of our screening of the film ‘2040’ on Tuesday evening.

Our strong academic programme is complemented by the personal development focus of REDS, Rite Journey and SMC Champion attributes. Our co-curricular opportunities and commitment to community and service all play a part in realising our vision to educate girls to live and lead and ensure that our Classes of 2020 and 2034 will be well prepared for whatever lies ahead.