While St Margaret’s College is primarily an academic institution, I believe we share a moral imperative to offer a balanced foundation for our girls - with a balanced foundation comes a bright future.

Through the co-curricular programme available at SMC, our students realise the gifts and talents they bring to school, discover their passions and abilities, and enjoy opportunities for these to be nurtured and developed into lifelong endeavours.

Much has been researched and published on the value of sporting and performing arts activities – coordination, confidence, resilience, communication, strategic thinking, perseverance…the list goes on. But perhaps one of the strongest benefits is that sense of belonging - to a dance crew, a squad, a team; sharing experiences with like-minded people – be it gruelling training sessions, spectacular wins and narrow defeats, tumultuous applause; but in it all – realising that you are not alone.

As adults, we realise that there are very few times in life when we are acting in isolation, so these early lessons in teamwork on the field or stage are invaluable.

When you are part of a collective, you realise you don’t have to do everything on your own. There may be stars on the team, those with extraordinary talent who make your group special, but they are nonetheless part of a greater whole, and no matter how exceptional they might be, they cannot thrive on their own. They need each member of the team to do their job to succeed.

So, I extend my thanks and congratulations to everyone who has been part of our programmes this winter, the 877 athletes who represented St Margaret’s over this Winter season, the 34 dancers performing in tonight’s Revive showcase, the 196 performers rehearsing for Annie, our coaches, choreographers, managers, directors and the many parent supporters who cheered us on from the audience and the sidelines.

Together we have all contributed to the terrific successes of our co-curricular programme; and in doing so, we have played a powerful part in the development of these healthy, happy young women. Well done to all.